Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s why each ingredient is essential for the perfect banana bread:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
3 large ripe bananas, mashed – The key to moist banana bread! The riper, the better.
½ cup creamy peanut butter – Adds richness and a nutty flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a tender crumb and buttery taste.
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and helps with browning.
2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Mix-Ins:
1 cup Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups, chopped – Adds a peanut butter candy crunch.
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips – Melts beautifully for extra decadence.
—
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Stir in the peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar until fully combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread will be dense!
Add Reese’s & Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chopped Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups.
Stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
—
Creative Variations & Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations!
1. Crunchy Nutty Banana Bread
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
2. Chocolate Lover’s Version
Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder for a double chocolate version.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
3. Healthier Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Swap butter for coconut oil or Greek yogurt.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra fiber.
4. Vegan Banana Bread
Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter substitute.
5. Mini Banana Bread Muffins
Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are some tasty pairings:
Drinks:
A hot cup of coffee or espresso
A tall glass of milk
A peanut butter banana smoothie
Toppings:
Drizzle with melted peanut butter or Nutella.
Spread cream cheese or butter on warm slices.
Top with extra Reese’s for a fun presentation.
—
Storage & Freezing Guide
How to Store
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
How to Freeze
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.