Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Recipe By:

Rachael

Posted:

February 17, 2025

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is one of those magical recipes that can turn a regular day into something special. Imagine waking up to the delicious smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through your home. The combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas creates a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is simple enough to make any morning bright. Plus, there’s a certain joy in mashing up bananas and mixing them with peanut butter, sugar, and eggs. You’ll find that each slice brings nostalgia, happiness, and comfort. Gather your ripe bananas and peanut butter, and let’s whip up something delightful!

Jump to:

What is Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Bread
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Combining the Dry Ingredients
Blending Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pouring the Batter into the Pan
Adding Peanut Butter Swirl
Baking the Bread
Cooling the Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
FAQs
More Easy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes:
📖 Recipe Card

What is Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness and softness of ripe bananas. This loaf creates a moist, tender texture complemented by a subtle nutty aroma, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It caters to both kids and adults alike, offering a healthy snack option that doesn’t compromise on taste. With familiar ingredients and simple preparation steps, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Bread

To make this delightful bread, you’ll need:

1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
¾ cup creamy peanut butter (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures evenly baked bread. Next, grease a 9x5x2.5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric mixer, combine the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. The bananas should break down nicely, blending seamlessly with the peanut butter.

Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and soda, ensuring a consistent rise in the bread.

Blending Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just blended. It’s important to be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and that’s not what we want!

Pouring the Batter into the Pan

Once you’ve mixed the two batters, pour the combined batter into your prepared loaf pan. Be sure to spread it evenly, which helps with even baking.

Adding Peanut Butter Swirl

Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter over the top of the batter. If it seems thick, microwave the peanut butter for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle. Use a skewer or chopstick to swirl the peanut butter into the top of the bread for an appealing finish. Trust me, it adds a beautiful touch!

Baking the Bread

Now, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 70-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking around the 60-minute mark. If the top is getting too dark, lightly tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Cooling the Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift it out and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This step really helps to achieve the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be enjoyed on its own, but it also shines with a smear of your favorite spread. Consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You could even serve it with some fresh berries for a lovely brunch idea.

Tips for Success

Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep your bread light and fluffy.
Tent the bread with foil as needed to prevent the top from over-baking.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Add chocolate chips for richness, walnuts for crunch, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Each variation creates a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Storage Tips

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always on hand when you need a sweet snack.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. Just thaw and mash them before adding to the recipe. They tend to be mushier, which can actually work great!

2. Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend suitable for baking to get the best results.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar, but be aware it may alter the texture and sweetness. A slight reduction works fine, but taste testing is essential!

4. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to tent it with foil.

5. Can I add other ingredients, like nuts or chocolate?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits can enhance flavor and texture.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your home with an inviting aroma. This bread is a perfect recipe for those looking to indulge in a healthy treat and makes for a great addition to meal prep. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family or savoring it all by yourself!

More Easy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card