If you’re trying to eat a little cleaner without living on sad snacks, this high-protein banana yogurt bowl is about to become your go-to. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and actually filling—aka the kind of breakfast (or lunch, or “I need something now”) that keeps you on track.
It’s basically a smoothie bowl’s low-maintenance cousin: no blender, no weird ingredients, and you can make it in under 5 minutes with things you probably already have.
Why You’ll Love This
This bowl is high-protein, naturally sweetened with banana, and easy to customize with clean, whole-food toppings—so it tastes like a treat but eats like a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat; choose unsweetened for clean eating)
- 1 medium ripe banana, sliced (plus a few extra slices for topping if you want)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on banana ripeness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but very good)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons high-protein granola or rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt (tiny, but it upgrades the flavor)
How to Make It
- Grab a bowl and add the Greek yogurt as your base.
- Stir in vanilla extract (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and half of the cinnamon.
- Add about two-thirds of the banana slices to the bowl. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash and swirl them into the yogurt for natural sweetness and a thicker, creamy texture.
- Taste and decide if you want extra sweetness. If your banana is super ripe, you may not need anything. If it’s more “just yellow,” drizzle in 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup and stir.
- Sprinkle chia seeds over the yogurt and mix them in. Let the bowl sit for 1–2 minutes so the chia starts to thicken everything slightly.
- Add the granola or oats on top for crunch. If you’re using rolled oats, you can leave them as-is or soak them in the yogurt for 2–3 minutes for a softer vibe.
- Drizzle (or dollop) the nut butter over the top. If it’s too thick, microwave it for 8–10 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- Finish with the remaining banana slices, chopped nuts, and the rest of the cinnamon. Add any extra clean toppings you love (see variations) and enjoy right away.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a ripe banana. More brown spots = more natural sweetness = less need for added sugar.
- Pick the right yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt brings the protein. If you’re sensitive to tang, try “Greek-style” or add extra vanilla and cinnamon.
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt. It makes the banana and nut butter taste richer, not salty.
- Let chia sit for a minute. It thickens the bowl slightly and makes it extra satisfying.
- Crunch is the contrast. Add granola right before eating so it stays crisp.
- Warm your nut butter. A quick warm-up gives you that dreamy drizzle and spreads flavor through every bite.
- Want it extra high-protein? Add 1–2 tablespoons of hemp hearts, or stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder (you may need a splash of milk to loosen it).
Variations
- Chocolate banana: Add 1 teaspoon cacao powder to the yogurt and top with cacao nibs or a few dark chocolate chips.
- Berry banana: Add a handful of blueberries or strawberries for extra fiber and freshness.
- Tropical clean bowl: Top with unsweetened coconut flakes and pineapple (fresh or frozen, thawed).
- PB&J energy: Use peanut butter and add 1–2 teaspoons chia jam (or mashed berries) on top.
- Super-simple: Yogurt + banana + cinnamon + chia. That’s it. Still delicious, still balanced.
- Dairy-free: Use a high-protein plant-based yogurt (look for one with at least 10g protein per serving) and choose maple syrup if you want sweetener.
- Higher fiber: Add ground flaxseed and swap granola for a mix of oats + pumpkin seeds.
Storage & Reheating
This bowl is best fresh, but you can prep parts ahead: portion yogurt in a container and keep sliced banana separate to prevent browning. Add toppings right before eating for the best texture. No reheating needed—this one’s a cold, creamy situation.
FAQ
How much protein is in this banana yogurt bowl?
It depends on your yogurt and toppings, but a bowl made with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt plus chia seeds, nut butter, and nuts typically lands around 25–35 grams of protein. Check your yogurt label for the most accurate number.
Can I make this without honey or maple syrup and still have it taste good?
Yes. Use a very ripe banana and mix some of it into the yogurt instead of only topping it. Cinnamon and vanilla also boost the “sweet” flavor without adding sugar.
What’s the best yogurt for clean eating in this recipe?
Look for plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with a short ingredient list (ideally just milk and live cultures). If you prefer dairy-free, choose an unsweetened option that’s higher in protein and not loaded with gums or added sugars.
Can I meal prep this for the week?
You can prep it in components. Portion yogurt and dry toppings (chia, oats, nuts) into containers, then add banana and nut butter right before eating. If you mix banana in too early, it can turn the bowl watery and brown.
How do I keep the banana from turning brown if I’m packing this for later?
Slice the banana right before eating, or toss slices with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice if you need to prep ahead. Storing banana separately is the easiest move and keeps the bowl looking fresh.