Name: Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe - Easy u0026amp; Moist Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (medium to large, mashed); ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; ¾ cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth); ½ cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups or chocolate chips

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Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter banana bread is a comforting, flavorful twist on the traditional banana loaf, bringing together two beloved ingredients peanut butter and ripe bananas into one moist, nutty, and satisfying bake. The natural sweetness of bananas meets the creamy richness of peanut butter, creating a bread that’s indulgent yet perfectly balanced. Every slice is soft with a subtle crunch on the crust, carrying the warm aroma of roasted nuts and caramelized fruit.

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What makes this recipe so special is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy techniques or equipment; just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and some ripe bananas. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your own touches swirls of melted chocolate, crushed Reese’s cups, or a handful of chopped nuts. For anyone looking for things to make with peanut butter or wondering what to do with ripe bananas, this recipe offers a perfect, delicious solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter banana bread recipe hits the sweet spot between simplicity and indulgence. It’s the kind of bake that feels like a treat but doesn’t demand complicated steps or ingredients. As a chef, I appreciate how effortlessly it delivers flavor and texture.

You’ll love this recipe because it:

Combines the creamy depth of peanut butter with the sweetness of banana for a balanced flavor.
Stays moist for days thanks to the natural fats and sugars in the ingredients.
Is one of the easiest recipes using peanut butter and things to make with ripe bananas.
Bakes beautifully into a golden loaf with a crackly top and tender crumb.
Is endlessly customizable, from turning it into a Reese’s peanut butter banana bread to adding a chocolate swirl for a bakery-style finish.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes including cooling
Servings: Makes 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Serve this bread slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a midday snack, or as a dessert with whipped cream or chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas (medium to large, mashed)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
½ cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups or chocolate chips

Substitution Notes:

You can use natural or commercial peanut butter, but if using natural, stir it well before measuring.
Whole wheat flour can replace half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly denser, nuttier loaf.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
Substitute coconut sugar or honey for brown sugar, though this will slightly alter texture and sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine they add texture. The bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the peel.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The peanut butter should be fully incorporated without streaks.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Stir only until you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can make the bread dense.

Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins

Fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups or chocolate chips if you’re making Reese’s peanut butter banana bread. Nuts such as pecans or walnuts also add a nice crunch.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and, if you’d like, add a swirl of peanut butter on top for visual appeal. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and slice neatly.

How to Serve

There are countless ways to enjoy peanut butter banana bread, whether you’re serving it warm from the oven or enjoying it the next morning.

Breakfast: Toast a thick slice and spread a thin layer of peanut butter or almond butter on top. Add sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for a quick, protein-packed breakfast.
Brunch: Serve it alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and a hot cup of coffee or latte. The nutty flavor complements bold coffees beautifully.
Dessert: Transform it into an indulgent dessert by topping each slice with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Crushed Reese’s pieces on top take it to another level.
Snack: Enjoy it as-is with a cold glass of milk or even a smear of Nutella for an extra chocolatey moment.
Presentation Tip: If you’re serving it at a gathering, slice the loaf thickly, arrange the slices in a fan shape on a white platter, and sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips around for a professional touch.
Gift Idea: Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie it with twine. Add a small jar of homemade peanut butter or a few bananas in a basket it makes a perfect homemade gift for any occasion.

Additional Tips

Always use ripe bananas the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
For a fluffier texture, make sure your eggs are at room temperature.
To get a strong peanut flavor, avoid low-fat peanut butter; full-fat versions give a better taste and moisture.
For a bakery-style rise, don’t open the oven for at least 45 minutes during baking.
Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture if your bananas aren’t overly ripe.

Recipe Variations

Peanut butter banana bread is incredibly versatile, and a few simple tweaks can completely change the flavor and texture.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chunks. For a marble effect, swirl in an extra tablespoon of peanut butter on top before baking.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread: Mix in ½ cup of chopped Reese’s cups and sprinkle a few on top. The combination of peanut butter, banana, and melted chocolate creates a candy-bar-inspired loaf that’s pure indulgence.
Banana Nut Butter Bread: Replace half the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty profile. It’s subtle but adds complexity to the overall flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then layer it through the batter before baking. The cinnamon-sugar ribbon adds a sweet, aromatic surprise in each slice.
Peanut Butter Banana Muffins: Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18–20 minutes. Great for portion control, lunchboxes, or grab-and-go breakfasts.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Oats: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter for a hearty texture and extra fiber. It makes the bread more filling and gives it a rustic touch.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a sealed container for up to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–6 days in an airtight container. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave.
Freezer: Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat wrapped slices in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Chef’s Tip for Freshness: Always let the bread cool completely before wrapping; otherwise, trapped steam will cause sogginess.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 210mg

Final Words

Peanut butter banana bread is more than a simple quick bread it’s a warm, comforting bake that embodies the best of home cooking. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most satisfying recipes come from everyday ingredients: ripe bananas, a scoop of peanut butter, and a bit of care. The magic lies in how these humble components transform into a rich, tender loaf that brings joy to any table.

Baking this peanut butter banana bread is about more than filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of roasted peanuts and caramelized bananas. It’s about creating something that feels personal and nurturing. Each slice tells a story of comfort one that pairs perfectly with slow mornings, cozy evenings, or the company of friends.

Whether you follow the classic version or experiment with a Reese’s peanut butter banana bread variation, this recipe guarantees results you’ll be proud of. It’s a perfect example of how easy recipes can still taste luxurious. Keep it in your rotation for those times when you crave something warm, homemade, and deeply satisfying.

Once you bake it, you’ll never see overripe bananas or half-used jars of peanut butter the same way again.

FAQ’s

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a pleasant bite. Just make sure it’s well mixed before adding to the batter.

You can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.

It’s usually due to overmixing or overbaking. Mix only until the ingredients combine and check for doneness at 55 minutes.

Yes, simply double all ingredients and divide between two loaf pans. Bake both at the same temperature but check 5–10 minutes earlier.

You can, but be cautious too much can make the bread dense. For stronger flavor, swirl extra on top before baking instead of adding more to the batter.