Protein-Packed Banana Bread Bites Are the Perfect On-the-Go Snack

Of all the fruits that grace our kitchen countertops, bananas might be the most versatile. Sometimes, though, they ripen faster than you can eat them. When they go from green to yellow to brown and spotty, you might turn to a tried-and-true banana bread recipe.

But you can only eat so much banana bread. If you’re up for trying something new or Googled “banana recipes not bread,” this recipe for cinnamon-protein banana bread bites is easy to make with minimal prep time and even tastier to eat.

Why bananas? This peelable fruit is nutrient-dense and provides a wide range of health benefits. Mashed bananas are super easy to use in many recipes.

Bananas Are Chock-Full of Nutrients

Every banana contains important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin C to support cardiovascular (potassium) and gastrointestinal health (prebiotic fiber).

Bananas Support Blood Sugar Control

Many people reach for bananas when they feel their blood sugar dropping. This popular fruit aids in blood-glucose regulation, thanks to its low glycemic index and soluble fiber.

Keep in mind that ripe yellow bananas tend to have a higher sugar content compared to unripe bananas. This means fully ripe bananas have a higher glycemic index and can lead to a quicker spike in blood sugar levels than their unripe counterparts.

The bite-sized format of these snacks makes them portable and convenient, plus it helps with portion control.

Banana Bread Bites Are a Stellar Snack

This is among the best snacks to make with bananas. With healthy fats and filling fiber, they make a healthy snack to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Instead of processed ingredients or baking powder (because there’s no baking involved), the recipe calls for maple syrup, coconut flour, and protein powder. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Our blog goes over the various types of protein powder.

Read on for the full ingredients and step-by-step directions to make these yummy cinnamon-protein banana bread bites.

Banana bread bites ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• 2 Tbsp. almond butter

• 2 tsp. pure maple syrup

• ¼ cup almond flour

• ¼ cup coconut flour

• 1 ½ scoops vanilla whey protein powder

• 3 tsp. cinnamon 

• Pinch salt (Celtic sea salt preferred if available)

• 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar

There are ways to customize this recipe. For instance, you can add in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips and a half-teaspoon of vanilla extract for elevated richness and decadence in your little bites.

Another option is to use rolled oats or oat flour for extra fiber. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or peanut butter can add protein and healthy fats.

Our overnight oats recipe is worth checking out too.

Directions for making banana bread bites:

1. In a medium bowl, mash a banana using a fork, then stir in almond butter and maple syrup.

2. In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, two teaspoons of the cinnamon, and salt.

3. Add dry ingredients to the mix of wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.

4. Roll about one tablespoon of the dough in the palm of your hands to form a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough. (The recipe makes about 15 balls.)

5. In a shallow dish, stir together coconut sugar and the last teaspoon of cinnamon.

6. Roll each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mix until completely coated.

7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Bananas can also be used in our superfood smoothie recipe, and they’re on our curated grocery list for weight loss.