Introduction

This Healthy Banana Chocolate Protein Cake combines ripe bananas and rich cocoa for a naturally sweet and satisfying treat. Topped with a creamy cookie dough frosting, it’s perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack packed with protein.

Healthy Banana Chocolate Protein Cake with Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
3 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup Truvani chocolate or vanilla protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup dairy-free or regular chocolate chips (refined sugar free if preferred)
For the frosting:
1/2 cup cream cheese (dairy or dairy-free)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Sift in the almond flour, oat flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips carefully to distribute evenly without over-mixing.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 6: To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond butter in a bowl and mix until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and enjoy your healthy treat!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with more oat flour or a seed flour like pumpkin seed flour.
Use a dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to keep this cake vegan and allergy-friendly.
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting keeps best chilled. You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add frosting before serving. For best texture, allow refrigerated cake to warm slightly at room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of almond and oat flours?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the texture and nutritional content will change. The cake may be less moist and less protein-rich.

Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free oat flour and check that your protein powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Healthy Banana Chocolate Protein Cake with Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

This Healthy Banana Chocolate Protein Cake with Cookie Dough Frosting is a delicious, nutrient-packed dessert perfect for a guilt-free treat. Made with ripe bananas, protein powder, and gluten-free flours, it’s moist and flavorful with a hint of chocolate. The dairy-free cookie dough-inspired frosting adds a creamy, indulgent touch without the excess sugar, making this cake great for a wholesome snack or dessert.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
3 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup Truvani chocolate or vanilla protein powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup dairy-free or regular chocolate chips (refined sugar-free optional)

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup cream cheese (dairy or dairy-free)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp almond butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold the chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute them without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Make Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Assemble: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into pieces and serve. Enjoy your healthy banana chocolate protein cake with cookie dough frosting!

Notes

You can use dairy-free alternatives for both yogurt and cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
For a lower sugar option, choose refined sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce maple syrup slightly if desired.
Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Protein powder choice can be adjusted to your preference (whey, plant-based, etc.).

Keywords: banana cake, chocolate protein cake, healthy dessert, gluten free cake, protein powder cake, dairy free frosting, cookie dough frosting, low sugar cake