Introduction
Are you searching for a delectable and healthy banana bread recipe? Look no further! With my Kodiak Cakes banana bread recipe, you can enjoy a high-protein treat that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe uses Kodiak Cakes pancake mix, which adds a protein boost to your classic banana bread. Not only is it low in sugar and oil-free, but it’s also incredibly delicious, especially when topped with a drizzle of almond or peanut butter. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering creation!
Benefits of Banana Bread using Kodiak Cakes Mix
If you’re wondering why you should give Kodiak Cakes banana bread a try, here are a few fantastic benefits:
- Protein Power: Unlike traditional banana bread recipes, this version made with Kodiak Cakes mix provides a whopping 11.3 grams of protein per serving. Plus, there’s no chalky aftertaste from protein powders.
- Low in Sugar: With just a tiny amount of added sugar in the buttermilk Kodiak Cakes mix, this high-protein banana bread needs no additional sweeteners. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas is enough to make it perfectly delicious.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with potassium from bananas and nearly 5 grams of fiber from whole grains, this bread offers both flavor and nutrients.
- Breakfast Meal Prep: Ideal for busy mornings, you can easily double or triple the recipe and have Kodiak Cakes banana bread ready for a quick and nutritious breakfast. It freezes well too!
- Comforting and Tasty: Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of banana bread while reaping its nutritional benefits. Spread some creamy peanut butter or almond butter on top for an extra delightful experience.
Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread Ingredients
To make these delightful Kodiak mini banana breads, you’ll need just six simple ingredients:
- Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix (Buttermilk flavor)
- Mashed, Very Ripe Banana
- Large Egg
- Chopped Pecans (walnuts can be substituted)
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla Extract
Additionally, keep some cooking oil spray on hand to mist the mini loaf pans to prevent sticking.
For an egg-free version, you can substitute flax seed meal mixed with water as a binder. More details on this substitution will be provided below. Please note that while the Kodiak buttermilk pancake mix does not contain eggs, there may be traces of eggs due to shared processing equipment.
For kitchen equipment, a potato masher for mashing the banana and a mini loaf pan are recommended. You can also use a muffin tin, but the cooking time may be shorter. This recipe yields two mini bread loaves or approximately three muffins.
How to Make High Protein Banana Bread with Kodiak Mix
Ready to enjoy some warm and scrumptious Kodiak banana bread in no time? Let’s get started!
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist your mini loaf pan (or muffin tin) with cooking spray.
- If not done already, mash your banana using a potato masher or fork. Opt for a super ripe banana for easier mashing and added sweetness.
- In a small bowl, combine the mashed banana, egg, vanilla, and a bit of water. Set this mixture aside.
- In another small bowl, mix the Kodiak mix and cinnamon together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until just moistened.
- Stir in the chopped pecans to incorporate them into the banana bread batter.
- Fill two compartments of your prepared mini loaf pan with the batter. If you prefer, you can keep one loaf to yourself for indulgence!
- Bake the Kodiak Cakes banana bread for 25-27 minutes in the top third of your preheated oven. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a fully cooked loaf — it should come out clean or with a few small crumbs attached.
- Once baked, feel free to top your banana bread with a drizzle of creamy peanut butter or almond butter for an extra treat. Personally, I find nut butters even more delightful than regular butter!
How to Make Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread without Eggs
If you prefer an egg-free version of this banana bread recipe, you can easily make it with flax seeds instead. The bread may have a slightly denser texture, but it will still be moist and delicious.
The process for making Kodiak Cakes banana bread with flax seeds is almost the same as the egg version. Instead of adding an egg to the wet ingredients, create a flax gel by stirring a teaspoon of ground flax meal into 1/4 cup of water. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before incorporating it into the recipe.
Continue following the same steps as the egg version, but extend the baking time to 27-30 minutes. It’s that simple!
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
I would rate this recipe as level 3 in terms of weight maintenance and active lifestyles. Foods made with flour, including this banana bread, are typically not as satiating compared to the calories they provide. While whole-grain baked goods may offer slightly more satisfaction due to their fiber content, calorie-wise, they still provide a substantial amount of energy.
Each mini loaf of banana bread contains approximately 236 calories and 11.3 grams of protein. This protein-packed bread surpasses the protein content in my mini spelt banana bread recipe while providing a similar calorie count. However, please note that Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes mix is considered an ultraprocessed food.
If you aim to lose weight, consuming adequate protein is crucial as it is the most satiating macronutrient. On the other hand, when faced with ultraprocessed food options, people tend to consume more calories. So, when it comes to weight loss, is it better to choose an ultraprocessed food with higher protein or a whole food with lower protein?
The answer depends on your specific circumstances. Although some might prefer to avoid ultraprocessed foods, others find them helpful in achieving their goals. My goal is to present various options, and you get to decide what works best for you.
What can you serve with banana bread?
If you’re making banana bread, why not keep the rest of the meal simple? Pair it with some fresh fruit and a glass of milk for a delightful breakfast. In the photos, I’ve served the bread with grapefruit and orange slices, creating a delicious combination.
For those looking to prepare an accompaniment, here are some serving suggestions. Cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent choices for adding calcium and extra protein to your meal. If you’re up for a challenge, you can even try making your own! Check out my recipes for homemade cottage cheese and yogurt.
Alternatively, you can serve your banana bread with a generous fruit salad. My Banana Split Fruit and Yogurt Bowls would make a perfect addition. Adding banana bread to the mix creates a high-energy meal, ideal for those needing more calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you bake banana nut bread without a bread pan? Can you make banana bread in a cake pan?
Absolutely! Quick breads like banana bread can be baked without a bread pan. Feel free to use a mini loaf pan or a muffin pan. Quick breads are quite versatile in terms of baking vessels. -
Can you make good banana bread with unripe bananas?
I don’t recommend using unripe bananas for this recipe as the ripe ones provide most of the sweetness. Using unripe bananas might result in less sweet bread. However, if your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can try ripening them in the oven. Place the unpeeled bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the peels turn black. Let them cool, peel, and use in your recipes. Unused ripened bananas can be frozen for future use. -
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the banana bread batter can make the loaf dense. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently mix them together to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense texture. -
What are other ways to make high-protein banana bread?
There are plenty of alternatives to Kodiak Cakes mix if you want to increase the protein content of your banana bread. Consider adding ingredients like egg whites, Greek yogurt or skyr, almond flour, peanut flour, protein powder, dry milk powder, or nut/seed butter. Choose the ingredients that align with your dietary preferences and requirements.
Other High-Protein Recipes You May Enjoy
If you’re seeking more high-protein recipes, don’t miss out on these fantastic options:
- Kodiak Cake Waffles with Mixed Berry Syrup
- Banana Protein Muffins | No Added Sugar!
- Proats Recipe: Egg White Oatmeal
- Keto Crustless Quiche | High Protein Frittata Recipe
- Baked Protein Oatmeal (with a Secret Ingredient!)
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And now for the disclaimer…
Please note that the information provided in this recipe may or may not be suitable for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician to determine the dietary pattern that best suits you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and serves as a courtesy. Actual values may vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use. Calorie information on food labels can be inaccurate, so don’t stress too much about the numbers.
For more information on how different recipe levels can help with weight management goals, refer to my overnight oats with yogurt post. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe
For the complete recipe, please visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.