Healthy Banana Nut Bread Breakfast

Whoever said no to pastries for breakfast clearly hasn't tried our Breakfast Banana Bread! Break free from the usual morning routine and treat yourself. Each slice packs a punch with just 230 calories and a whopping 16g of protein. Picture this: the oven's on, the flavor of cinnamon is filling the air, and your kitchen transforms into a haven of morning bliss. Drooling yet? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed meal
• 1/2 cup protein powder (Vega chocolate flavor is a very  nutritionally well-rounded option)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2  teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• Optional: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts and, if desired, dark chocolate chips or dried fruit.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes:

• This breakfast banana bread is rich in fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the morning.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze slices for a quick, microwaveable meal.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 230 | Total fat: 8g | Sat fat: 1g | Sodium: 220 mg | Total Carbohydrate: 25g | Sugars: 13 g | Dietary Fiber: 4.5g | Protein: 16g