If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the ultimate treat for you! This indulgent twist on the classic banana bread features the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter, along with the irresistible taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf with a sweet, nutty, and chocolatey surprise in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet dessert, this banana bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an avid baker or a beginner, the simplicity of this recipe and the comforting aroma of fresh banana bread filling your kitchen makes it an irresistible treat. With its dense texture and rich flavor, this loaf is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all to yourself. Get ready to take banana bread to a whole new level with this delectable peanut butter and chocolate-infused creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Flavor Combination

The combination of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and Reese’s peanut butter cups creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of richness.

2. Moist and Tender Texture

Thanks to the ripe bananas and peanut butter, this banana bread is incredibly moist and soft, making every slice melt in your mouth.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

4. Peanut Butter Lovers’ Dream

If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this banana bread is a dream come true! The peanut butter flavor is present throughout the loaf and complemented by the chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups.

5. Great for Sharing or Gifting

This indulgent bread makes a fantastic gift for friends, family, or neighbors. The peanut butter and chocolate elements are sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

Ripe bananas
Peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
Eggs
Brown sugar
Baking soda
All-purpose flour
Salt
Vanilla extract
Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped)
Milk (optional, for extra moisture)

Variations

Add Nuts: For added texture, incorporate chopped peanuts or walnuts into the batter.
Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Make it Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free peanut butter for a vegan version.
Swap Peanut Butter for Almond Butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer almond butter, feel free to substitute it for a different flavor.
Add Spices: Experiment with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice in the bread.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The more overripe the bananas are, the better, as they provide extra sweetness and moisture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the peanut butter, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser bread.

Step 5: Add the Reese’s

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

Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you don’t have overripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing the bananas in a brown paper bag.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently and avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough banana bread.
Chop Reese’s Evenly: Ensure that the chopped Reese’s are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Check for Doneness: Banana bread can sometimes be a little tricky to check for doneness, as the toothpick can come out clean even if the center is still a bit undercooked. If unsure, check in multiple spots to ensure it’s fully baked.
Let It Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool completely before slicing to get perfect, clean slices.

How to Serve

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert. Enjoy it as is, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours before slicing.

Reheating

To reheat slices of banana bread, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to get a warm, slightly crispy exterior.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?

While peanut butter is the star ingredient, you could substitute it with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.

2. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use white sugar instead of brown sugar, though brown sugar adds extra moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the bread.

3. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or chia eggs as an egg substitute.

4. How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, continue baking and check again in 5-minute intervals.

5. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well in banana bread. Simply thaw them before mashing and using them in the recipe.

6. Can I add more chocolate to this bread?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter if you want more chocolate flavor alongside the Reese’s peanut butter cups.

7. How do I prevent the banana bread from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the bread to collapse in the center. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if needed.

9. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread. You might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

10. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you can make muffins by pouring the batter into a muffin tin and baking at the same temperature. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an irresistible treat that combines the delicious flavors of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolatey Reese’s peanut butter cups. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, this indulgent bread is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any baking repertoire. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure deliciousness!