Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a comforting, moist, and rich quick bread that perfectly blends the nutty goodness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s a heavenly treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your taste buds with pure delight. The creamy, slightly salty peanut butter pairs beautifully with the mellow sweetness of banana, creating a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite.

This recipe takes the classic banana bread you know and love to the next level by adding a layer of depth and indulgence. It’s perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert — and it’s simple enough for anyone to make.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Peanut Butter Banana Bread because it combines two of my favorite flavors into one decadent loaf. The peanut butter adds a rich creaminess that enhances the moistness of the bread, while the bananas lend natural sweetness and softness. Every bite feels like comfort and nostalgia wrapped together.

It’s also an incredibly forgiving recipe — whether your bananas are a little too ripe or you’re using chunky or creamy peanut butter, it still turns out perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile: enjoy it plain, with a drizzle of honey, or toasted with butter for an extra treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves banana bread but wants to give it an extra twist. The peanut butter adds protein and richness, making it more filling and satisfying. It’s also freezer-friendly, easy to customize, and ideal for using up those overripe bananas on your counter.

Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, this bread never fails to impress. It’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per slice
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (or use vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips
• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain — do not overmix.
5. Fold in Add-ins (Optional):
   Gently fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
6. Bake the Bread:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bread:
   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the loaf pan.
2. Step 2: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mash bananas and mix in peanut butter, sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated.
5. Step 5: Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
6. Step 6: Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 55–60 minutes.
7. Step 7: Cool completely before slicing and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this Peanut Butter Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own but even better when paired with:

• A pat of butter or cream cheese
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• A side of fresh fruit for breakfast
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

For a toasted treat, warm a slice in a toaster or skillet and spread extra peanut butter on top.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
• Avoid overmixing: Stir only until combined to prevent a dense loaf.
• Line the pan: Parchment paper helps lift the loaf easily once baked.
• Test for doneness: A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool completely: This helps the bread set properly before slicing.

Variations

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread:
   Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the batter and use chocolate chips for a double-chocolate twist.
2. Swirled Peanut Butter Banana Bread:
   After pouring the batter into the pan, swirl an extra 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on top using a knife for a marbled effect.
3. Healthy Version:
   Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and swap butter for Greek yogurt.
4. Vegan Option:
   Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
5. Nut-Free Version:
   Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

• At Room Temperature:
  Store the cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator:
  Keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
• Freezing:
  Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a toaster oven.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a deliciously moist, rich, and flavorful twist on the traditional banana bread. With its nutty aroma, tender crumb, and sweet banana flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort bake that’s perfect any time of day.

Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just want to elevate your banana bread game, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. It’s easy, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable — a true must-bake for anyone who enjoys homemade comfort food at its best.