Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread Recipe – Easy High Protein Bread!

Transform those overripe bananas into a protein-packed Kodiak Cakes banana bread recipe that’s perfect for busy mornings! This easy recipe combines the wholesome goodness of Kodiak Cakes pancake mix with sweet bananas for a nutritious breakfast with grams of protein that tastes like a treat. Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds for a personalized loaf that everyone will love!

I absolutely love making this Kodiak Cakes banana bread recipe because it’s the perfect solution for busy mornings when we need something nutritious but quick. With each slice packing a hefty dose of protein and whole grain wheat flour, it feels good knowing my family is getting a wholesome breakfast, even on our most hectic days. 

The best part? This Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes recipe is incredibly versatile – my kids love adding chocolate chips while my husband prefers walnuts, so sometimes I’ll make two smaller loaves with different mix-ins to please everyone! 

This high protein banana bread has become our quick go-to baked goods recipe. It is an easy recipe for a potluck, pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a homemade chai latte, and any leftovers make fantastic grab-and-go snacks for later in the day. You can even take the same batter and make banana pancakes.

This Kodiak pancake mix banana bread has become our family’s favorite. The secret ingredient? Using overripe bananas with those perfect brown spots for maximum sweet banana flavor!

Kodiak banana bread is a staple, but we also love a standard banana bread recipe (with streusel top!), carrot apple coffee cake bread, easy oat bread (you can use whole grain oat flour!), sourdough pumpkin bread, and fresh milled blueberry muffins. There are so many great options! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-packed satisfaction. Each slice contains significantly more grams of protein than standard banana bread thanks to the Kodiak Cakes pancake mix, keeping you fuller longer and providing sustained energy throughout your morning. You’ll also get added grams of fiber for digestive health.

Incredibly adaptable. From chocolate chips to nuts to dried fruit, this healthy sweet treat welcomes your favorite add-ins, making it easy to please even the pickiest eaters. Add a little bit of cream cheese frosting, sour cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Perfect make-ahead option. This best banana bread freezes beautifully when wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, so you can make a double batch and freeze slices for later use when you need a quick but nutritious breakfast solution.

Simple ingredients. Using Kodiak Cakes mix as the base means fewer dry ingredients to measure, saving you time and effort while still delivering delicious, homemade results with natural whey protein and whole grain goodness.

What Is The Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread Recipe?

Kodiak Cakes banana bread is a protein-enriched twist on classic banana bread that uses Kodiak Cakes pancake and waffle mix as its base instead of traditional flour. Unlike standard banana bread recipes that primarily rely on all-purpose flour, this version harnesses the power of whole grain wheat flour and oat flour already present in the Kodiak mix, resulting in a loaf that’s not only delicious but also nutritionally superior.

What makes this banana bread special is its impressive protein content—typically 10-12 grams per slice compared to just 3-4 grams in traditional recipes. The Kodiak Cakes mix also adds a subtle nutty flavor from the whole grains that complements the sweet bananas perfectly. The texture strikes an ideal balance—moist and tender with a slightly heartier crumb than conventional banana bread—making it substantial enough for breakfast while still feeling like a treat.

Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients

• Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix: We typically use the mix from Costco or Thrive Market. These pancake mixes provide a perfect blend of whole wheat flour and protein that gives this bread its staying power compared to regular pancake batter. It’s a great way to add a bit of protein to your morning.
• Overripe bananas: The spottier, the better! Those dark speckles mean more sweet banana flavor and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar. I often freeze extra ripe bananas and thaw them overnight before baking day.
• Brown sugar: This adds a wonderful depth with hints of molasses that white sugar just can’t match. You can use coconut sugar for a less refined option.
• Eggs: These provide structure and additional protein. We use organic, free-range eggs from our backyard chickens.
• Milk of choice: Any milk works well here—dairy, almond, or oat milk for vegan options. We typically use organic whole milk for richness.
• Coconut oil or butter: Either option adds moisture and richness. Coconut oil provides a subtle tropical note and healthy fats that pair beautifully with banana. You could also use avocado oil for a neutral flavor that lets the banana shine through.
• Vanilla extract: A splash elevates all the other flavors in the bread. I like to buy pantry staples like this from Azure Standard.
• Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add texture and make each batch unique. We usually add about 1 cup total of mix-ins. Add some cottage cheese for extra protein!

A full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Tools You May Need

• Loaf pan (9×5 inch works best)
• Parchment paper for easy removal
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray and line the bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. On a medium-sized plate or in a small bowl, mash the bananas until no large chunks remain.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, brown sugar, milk, coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined. Then fold the mashed bananas into the mixture. *Note: If making a streusel topping for the bread, lower the brown sugar to 1/2 cup.
4. Add the protein pancake mix to the bowl and stir until combined.
5. Add any nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the bowl and fold them in well. Be careful not to over-mix.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top it with pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of oats, pecans, or walnuts. Topping is optional, but it makes for a beautiful loaf! You can also add a streusel topping if desired.
7. For the streusel topping: Mix together 1/8 cup brown sugar, 1/8 cup cane sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter. Mix together until crumbly, then sprinkle across the top of the unbaked bread.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool before serving.
10. Slice, top with a bit of butter, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Let your bananas get really ripe for the sweetest flavor—the more brown spots, the better!
• To quickly ripen unripe bananas, place them in a paper bag with an apple for 1-2 days.
• If you want to reduce grams of sugar further, try adding cottage cheese or sour cream to the wet ingredients for natural sweetness and protein.
• If making the streusel topping, reduce the sugar in the batter to 1/2 cup to maintain a balanced sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the Kodiak mix—stir just until combined for the most tender texture.
• The bread will store well at room temperature for about 48 hours, then it should be transferred to the refrigerator.
• For freezing, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in parchment paper before placing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Kodiak Cakes Banana Bread Variations

• Peanut butter swirl: Add 1/3 cup of natural peanut butter to the batter, then swirl it through with a knife before baking for a protein boost and rich flavor.
• Blueberry lemon: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a fruity twist on the classic.
• Double chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate version.
• Cinnamon streusel: Create a streusel with 1/4 cup Kodiak mix, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut in until crumbly.
• Protein power: Boost the protein even further by adding 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder to the wet ingredients. Or add an extra scoop of whey protein powder.
• Cream cheese swirl: Add dollops of softened cream cheese to the batter and swirl with a knife before baking for extra richness that rivals any classic banana bread recipes.
• High-protein boost (without the powder): Fold in cottage cheese to make this an even higher-protein treat.

Recipe FAQs

I hope you love this recipe!

Other Recipes You May Enjoy…

• Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
• One Bowl Pumpkin Chai Bread
• Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
• Overnight Sourdough English Muffins
• Cinnamon Dolce Latte

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