Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional banana bread. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Using Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making this bread a great choice for breakfast or as a snack. If you have some ripe bananas at home, this is the perfect recipe to use them up!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread. First, it’s easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients. Second, it makes use of ripe bananas, helping to reduce food waste. Third, this recipe is versatile since you can add different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Plus, with the added protein from Greek yogurt, it’s a filling option that can keep you energized throughout the day.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (about 7 oz/200 g in total)
- ⅔ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt (minimum 2% fat)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅙ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour)
- ½ cup (50 g) almond flour (or more oat flour)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (as a replacement for ½ cup (50 g) flour)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Then, add the Greek yogurt, egg, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth mixture.
- Add the oat flour, almond flour (or more oat flour), and baking powder into the wet mixture. Mix well, adding chocolate chips if you like. If the batter is too liquid, you might need a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk. Adjust based on the size of your bananas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Greek Yogurt Banana Bread is great served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or add a bit of butter, nut butter, or cream cheese for extra flavor. It’s perfect with your morning coffee or as a snack during the day.
How to Store Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Once your banana bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy access!
Tips to Make Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
- Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or coconut flour.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Variation
You can easily change the recipe to fit your taste. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If you enjoy spices, consider adding nutmeg or ginger. You can also swap in different types of yogurt or sweeteners based on what you have on hand.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
2. Is it okay to skip the protein powder?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to use protein powder, simply replace it with more flour or omit it entirely.
3. How can I tell if my banana bread is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet with batter, it needs more time in the oven.
