Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a decadent twist on the classic banana bread, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet, familiar flavor of ripe bananas. The addition of Reese’s peanut butter chips takes this recipe to a whole new level, creating a dessert-like bread that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a texture that’s moist and fluffy, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a delightful treat after dinner.

The beauty of this bread is in its simplicity—using everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The peanut butter adds depth to the flavor, while the bananas keep the bread moist and tender. Whether you’re a peanut butter enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to enjoy banana bread, this recipe promises to satisfy every craving. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious loaf in no time, impressing everyone with your baking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just your ordinary banana bread. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich peanut butter chips provides a unique flavor profile that is both indulgent and comforting. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas, turning them into a dessert that’s both sweet and slightly savory. The bread is incredibly moist thanks to the bananas and peanut butter, and it’s wonderfully easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying a slice with coffee, or gifting it to a friend, this bread is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Ripe bananas
• Vanilla extract
• Reese’s peanut butter chips

Variations

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is versatile, allowing you to make several variations based on your preferences:

• Add chocolate chips: For extra indulgence, mix in a handful of chocolate chips along with the peanut butter chips.
• Swap the peanut butter: If you prefer a different nut butter, try using almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist.
• Incorporate crushed nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts would complement the peanut butter and banana flavors.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make the bread vegan-friendly.
• Cinnamon twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter and bananas.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream together the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the eggs, bananas, and vanilla

Beat in the eggs, followed by the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet ingredients

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients from Step 2, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add the peanut butter chips

Fold in the Reese’s peanut butter chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. They provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the bread around 60 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready.
• Let it cool: For the best texture, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Adjust sweetness: If you like your banana bread sweeter, feel free to add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar.

How to Serve

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for any time of day. Serve it as a quick breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. It also makes an excellent dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For an extra indulgent treat, top a slice with whipped cream and a few extra Reese’s peanut butter chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for a longer period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without peanut butter chips?

Yes, you can omit the peanut butter chips or replace them with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

2. How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are sweeter and make for a more flavorful loaf.

3. Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

4. How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a healthier option, substitute half the butter with applesauce or yogurt, and reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but it will slightly change the texture of the bread.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two loaf pans or one larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

No, this recipe contains eggs and butter. To make it vegan, use flax eggs and dairy-free butter, and substitute the peanut butter chips with a dairy-free option.

8. Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the batter for extra flavor.

9. How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

10. Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter can all be used as substitutes for peanut butter.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an irresistible treat that combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter. With its easy preparation, delicious taste, and versatility, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation. Whether you’re indulging in a slice for breakfast, sharing it with friends, or enjoying it as a dessert, this banana bread is bound to impress.

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