Healthy Banana Protein Bread Recipe (with Applesauce)

Here’s my go-to healthy banana protein bread recipe with protein (refined sugar-free and gluten-free).

I have been making and eating my weight in banana bread for weeks. So, if you are craving it, give this recipe a try!

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe will make you feel better about dessert bread because it contains a healthy trifecta of better choices!

The batter takes about 10 minutes to whip up by hand or mixer, and it stays moist for days … if it lasts that long.

This recipe, as written, is dairy-free and gets moisture from healthy avocado oil, eggs, and unsweetened applesauce. Just remember to skip milk chocolate chip add-ins for dairy-free.

It also uses natural, unrefined sugar and gluten-free flour. Your body will thank you.

If you love bananas you’ll flip for these banana and pumpkin muffins and maruya (Filipino banana fritters).

Ingredients

The recipe includes an abundance of healthy ingredients.

Natural sweetener
Healthy Fat avocado oil, butter, or coconut oil
Eggs
Bananas
Unsweetened applesauce
Gluten-Free Baking Flour
Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal
Collagen Peptides optional
Cinnamon

It’s wonderful with or without collagen powder.

Variations

Customize your bread even more to get it the way you want it. Make it your way with these yummy mix-ins or alternatives.

Add-In Ideas

Nuts walnuts or pecans
Dried Fruit apricots, dates, or raisins
Chocolate Chips milk, dark, or stevia sweetened
Toffee Bits
Greens chocolate or peanut butter flavor
Nut Butter peanut butter or almond butter
Protein Powder vanilla or chocolate
Flour whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oat flour

My personal favorites are adding nuts and Enjoy Life’s dark chocolate chips.

Protein powder tastes good in the bread but does make it a bit drier overall.

All protein powders are different, so you may want to experiment and test your brand.

For other yummy breakfast ideas, try this gluten free cranberry orange bread, gluten free cinnamon rolls, or these fluffy 3 ingredient banana oatmeal muffins.

Sweetener Options

You have many options for sweeteners, natural or refined.

I prefer xylitol because it has a low glycemic index and measures just like sugar. Adjust sweetener to taste.

Erythritol
Xylitol
Maple Syrup
Honey
Brown Sugar

Healthy Fat Alternatives

You cannot go wrong using any of these healthy fats.

Avocado Oil
Coconut Oil
Grass-fed Butter

I typically use avocado oil because it’s really fast to pour, dairy-free, and delicious!

Expert Tips

Follow the tips below to get perfectly baked banana bread.

Use Very Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas are softer and easier to blend into the batter. They are also sweeter, which makes the bread tastier!

Don’t Overmix

Mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to excess gluten development, resulting in dense bread.

Use Parchment Paper or Grease Well

Applying a thin layer of oil to the bottom and sides of the loaf pan helps the bread release quickly without sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan.

I also love using parchment paper for a beautifully clean crust, especially if I make the bread for a bake sale or gifting.

Check for Doneness

Insert a thin knife, toothpick, or skewer into the center of the bread to see when it is done.

When removed, it should be almost clean. There may be sticky crumbs, but bake a bit longer if the batter is still very wet.

Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan.

You can use any size or shape of pan, from muffins or mini bread pans to regular-size loaf pans. The baking times will vary depending on the size of your pan(s) and oven.

See the recipe for bake times, but watch the oven carefully to get the perfect results for your individual scenario.

What to Serve with Banana Bread

The bread stands beautifully on its own, but it’s always tasty when served with toppings and coffee, tea, or a delicious cup of non-dairy hot chocolate.

Here are a handful of yummy topping ideas, too.

Carmel date caramel is delicious
Coconut Butter
Grass-fed Butter
Honey

How to Freeze

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I love making it using three mini loaf pans from Wilton.

I leave one out and freeze two for later.

The size is perfect for a week of banana bread happiness.

You may want to make a large loaf if you have a house full. Or two.

If you make extra banana bread, follow these easy steps for the best way to freeze banana bread to retain its flavor and texture.

After baking, cool your banana bread completely.

Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap, then wrap in foil, a large freezer storage bag, or a freezer-safe container.

Date your freezer package and freeze it for up to 3 months.

You can quickly thaw the banana bread in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

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xo,
Cindy