Ah, Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread—where dessert meets the comfort of a freshly baked loaf! This delightful recipe holds a special place in my heart. I can still remember the very first time I whipped it up in my kitchen. The smell of ripe bananas and peanut butter wafting through the air was enough to make even my most skeptical apple pie-loving friends raise their eyebrows in excitement. It became an instant hit at our weekend brunches and cozy gatherings.
What I love most about this bread is how it embodies a delightful blend of flavors that could only come from those iconic Reese’s cups. The caramel-y sweetness of bananas combined with the creamy richness of peanut butter makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter—talk about a win-win!
What’s in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. Make sure they’re speckled brown on the skin for the best flavor.
Peanut Butter: This is what makes our bread taste like everyone’s favorite candy. I prefer to use creamy peanut butter, but crunchy works too for that extra texture.
Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar helps to heighten the sweetness, balancing perfectly with the bananas and peanut butter.
Eggs: These act as a binding agent, helping to hold everything together. Use large eggs for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure of our bread. You can swap half or all of it for whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Baking Soda: The rising agent that gives our bread that lovely lift.
Chocolate Chips: To really lean into the Reese’s vibe, we’ll toss in some chocolate chips. Ensure you choose semi-sweet for that perfect balance.
Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Good for You?
Now, I won’t say this bread is a health food—it’s more of an indulgent treat—but there are a few worthwhile aspects!
Bananas are a fantastic source of essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. Plus, their natural sweetness means we can cut back on the added sugar a bit.
Peanut Butter provides healthy fats and protein, making this a more satisfying snack option than your average loaf.
Of course, portion control is key here. Overindulging can lead to a sugar rush, especially with those chocolate chips sneaking into every slice. But hey, balance is all about enjoyment too, right?
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat, if preferred)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Servings: 8-10 slices
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan (you can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal).
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and sugar until well combined.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the chocolate chips—don’t overmix!
8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few tender chocolatey bits!).
10. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Variations
Feeling adventurous? try adding chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey on top for a little extra sweetness. You can even use crunchy peanut butter if that’s your jam! Serve slices warm with a pat of butter for that instant comfort, or toast them for a delicious breakfast treat.
I hope you’ll find as much joy in making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread as I do! It’s perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even as a gift to a loved one. Give it a try and let me know what you think! You might just find yourself making it weekly—trust me, it’s that good!
