Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Hello, banana bread lovers! If you’re a fan of the classic banana bread and adore the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter, this recipe is for you. Combining the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Banana Bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Let’s explore how to make this delicious treat step by step!

Introduction

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional banana bread, adding the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter to complement the natural sweetness of bananas. This bread is versatile—you can enjoy it on its own, slathered with more peanut butter, or topped with chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting it to friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The combination of peanut butter and bananas is timeless, and this bread perfectly balances sweetness, moisture, and nuttiness in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Peanut Butter Banana Bread:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

This ingredient list ensures the bread is rich, tender, and packed with flavor. The optional chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Follow these steps to create your own Peanut Butter Banana Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or shortening to prevent sticking.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The bananas should be fully mashed to create a consistent texture in the bread.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures the bread is fully baked but still moist.

Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Helpful Tips

To make the best Peanut Butter Banana Bread, follow these tips:

  • Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.
  • Room temperature eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and better texture.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Customizable mix-ins: In addition to chocolate chips, you can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for a personalized touch.

Cooking Tips

Here are additional tips to enhance your baking experience:

  • Testing for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
  • Pan choice: A metal loaf pan works best for even heat distribution, but glass or ceramic pans will also work. Adjust baking time slightly if using different materials.
  • Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or at room temperature for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Spread with extra peanut butter, honey, or cream cheese for a decadent snack. For dessert, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel. This bread is also perfect for brunch spreads, paired with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional highlights of Peanut Butter Banana Bread per serving (based on 10 slices):

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Potassium: 250mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Vitamin A: 5%
  • Vitamin C: 3%
  • Calcium: 2%
  • Iron: 6%

This bread strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition, with natural sweetness from bananas and protein from peanut butter.

Storage and Leftovers

To store Peanut Butter Banana Bread, follow these tips:

  • Room temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: Extend the shelf life by refrigerating the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature or warm slices in the microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely. Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and small bits of peanuts for extra crunch in every bite.

What can I use instead of butter?
You can replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Ensure both pans fit comfortably in your oven for even baking.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Of course! The bread is delicious on its own, but you can also replace chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins.

Related Recipes

If you love Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you might enjoy these similar recipes:

Conclusion

There you have it—a rich, moist, and flavorful Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with extras, or packed with chocolate chips, this bread is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know your favorite way to enjoy it. Happy baking!

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