Name: The Best Low-Sugar, High Protein Banana Bread {GF}
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed); 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil); 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener (1:1 blend like Lakanto); 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (~30g); 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sugar-free chocolate chips; 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (only if needed)

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After several rounds of testing and tweaking, I finally perfected a banana bread recipe that checks all the boxes: high in protein, low in sugar and carbs, and—most importantly—delicious enough that my kids eat it without a second thought.

I started with a basic recipe and slowly made adjustments, adding protein powder for a nutritional boost and cutting back on sugar by using ripe bananas and a touch of monk fruit sweetener.

High-Protein Banana Bread

The final version is soft, moist, and just sweet enough—so much so that my kids happily grab a slice for breakfast or snack time without ever guessing that it’s packed with protein.

It’s such a win as a parent to know they’re getting something nourishing while still enjoying what they eat!

This recipe has quickly become a staple in our kitchen, and I love that it balances healthy ingredients with flavors my whole family loves.

Why You’ll Love This Version

-Sweet and flavorful, not bland or dry

-Made with whole ingredients: almond flour, eggs, banana, applesauce

-High in protein and lower in carbs than traditional banana bread

-Gluten-free, grain-free, and easy to prep in one bowl

-Kid-approved and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, better-tasting version:

2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
¼ cup monk fruit sweetener (1:1 blend like Lakanto)
1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
1 scoop (~30g) vanilla protein powder
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sugar-free chocolate chips
Optional: 1–2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, only if needed

Instructions

-Preheat oven to 350°F and line or grease a loaf pan (8.5×4.5” or 9×5”).

-In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the applesauce, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and monk fruit sweetener.

-In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

-Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. If the batter seems thick (depending on your protein powder), add 1–2 tbsp almond milk.

-Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.

-Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

-Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly.

-Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Storage Tips

Room Temp: 2–3 days in an airtight container
Fridge: Up to 1 week
Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months—great for grab-and-go snacks!

Flavor Boosting Tips

Want to push the flavor even further?

Add ½ tsp banana extract for extra banana bread flavor without the extra carbs.
Sprinkle the top with monk fruit + cinnamon before baking for a sweet crust.
Serve with a pat of butter or drizzle of almond butter for a real treat.

Final Thoughts

This version of low-carb banana bread is rich, flavorful, and anything but bland. Whether you’re trying to cut carbs, sneak more protein into your day, or just bake something a little healthier for the family, this one checks all the boxes.

The Best Low-Sugar, High Protein Banana Bread {GF}

This flavorful low-carb banana bread is made with almond flour, real banana, vanilla protein powder, and monk fruit. Moist, high-protein, and naturally sweetened—perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas about 1 cup mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener 1:1 blend like Lakanto
1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder ~30g
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Optional

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sugar-free chocolate chips
1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk only if needed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line or grease a loaf pan (8.5×4.5” or 9×5”).
In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the applesauce, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and monk fruit sweetener.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. If the batter seems thick (depending on your protein powder), add 1–2 tbsp almond milk.
Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Net carbs: 6-7

Nutritional values are approximate

Keyword dessert, gluten free breakfast, high protein meals

The Best Low-Sugar, High-Protein Banana Bread {GF}