Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour (for a hearty, nutty flavor; you can substitute with all-purpose flour if preferred)
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (choose your favorite whey or plant-based option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful)
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter for a richer taste)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or honey (Mama Lou always favored natural sweeteners)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds moisture and extra protein)
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (choose at least 70% cacao for bittersweet richness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Mama Lou always said, “A well-prepped pan is half the battle won!”
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is your bread’s foundation—take a moment to appreciate the wholesome goodness going in.
- In another bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until smooth. I remember Ouma and I competing to mash faster when we helped Mama Lou—such simple joys!
- Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the bread tender and light.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top for that extra chocolatey tease.
- Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The smell at this point will remind you of a warm embrace—trust me on that.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Mama Lou always said, “Patience is the final ingredient in any good bake.”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
