If you adore the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, then you are in for a treat with this Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe. This loaf is a tender, moist bread with pockets of melted chocolate chips and the comforting, nutty flavor of peanut butter woven throughout. Every slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a fantastic everyday indulgence or a cozy snack to share with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for the first time or already a seasoned baker, this recipe will quickly become a treasured staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a thick, light brown dough mixture with a raw egg yolk and egg white sitting in the center, about to be mixed. Two metal beaters attached to a white electric mixer are partially immersed in the dough, with dough clinging to the beaters. The texture of the dough looks dense and rough, with small clumps visible around the edges. Soft natural light highlights the shiny metal of the beaters and the smooth surface of the egg yolk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for building the rich flavor and delightfully soft texture of the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe. Each component plays its unique part, from the fluffy structure created by flour and baking powder to the luscious richness from peanut butter and chocolate chips.

2 cups white all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the bread with a light and fluffy crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder (double acting): Ensures the bread rises perfectly every time.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Bursts of melted chocolate throughout make each bite extra special.
3/4 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth): Offers irresistible nutty flavor and creamy texture; chunky adds a wonderful bite.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right, complementing the peanut butter and chocolate.
1/3 cup safflower oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and gives the batter the perfect consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
1/2 cup sugar (for crumb topping): Adds a sweet crunch on top.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (crumb topping): Brings a hint of chocolate depth in the crumb topping.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (crumb topping): Creates the perfect crumbly texture once baked.
2 tablespoons finely chopped dry-roasted peanuts (crumb topping): Adds a delightful crunch and extra nuttiness to the topping.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Dry Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 350° (176°C) and greasing a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. To ensure the perfect rise and texture, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl using a mesh strainer. Then, stir in the chocolate chips gently to evenly distribute them without crushing.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, soften the peanut butter by beating it with an electric mixer. Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, egg, safflower oil, milk, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a smooth, luscious wet mixture that brings deep flavor and moisture to the bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir carefully until the batter is just combined — overmixing can result in a dense loaf, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, butter pieces, and chopped peanuts until crumbly. This topping adds incredible texture and chocolatey nuttiness that complements the bread beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble and Marble the Bread

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle half of the crumb topping over it. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish by scattering the rest of the crumb mixture. Using a butter knife or spoon handle, gently draw zigzag lines through the batter to create a lovely marbled effect that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the bread for approximately 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After removing the loaf from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 25 minutes before turning it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into nine 1-inch slices and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe

The image shows two thick slices of a marbled chocolate chip loaf stacked on a white rectangular plate with a few chocolate chips scattered on the side. Each slice has two layers: a golden-brown cake layer swirled with dark chocolate chunks on top, and a moist, dark chocolate chip layer with white icing dripping down the sides at the bottom. The texture of the cake layer is rough and crumbly, while the chocolate chip layer looks dense and rich with glossy chocolate chips. The background and surface are white marbled, giving a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the bread is incredible on its own, adding a light spread of creamy peanut butter or a drizzle of melted chocolate on each slice elevates the experience beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant finishing touch that friends and family will notice.

Side Dishes

Pairing this bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries creates a balanced flavor profile. It also works wonderfully alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk — perfect for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the slices stacked on a rustic wooden board alongside little bowls of peanut butter, chocolate spread, and extra chopped peanuts for a playful “build your own” snack experience. For gatherings, consider cutting the bread into small cubes and serving toothpicks for convenient bites. The marbled crumb topping also makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a slice (or two) whenever you want.

Freezing

This Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast it lightly. The chocolate chips will soften deliciously, and the flavors become even more inviting with a bit of warmth.

FAQs

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?

Absolutely! Both smooth and chunky peanut butter work wonderfully in this recipe. Chunky adds that occasional nutty bite, while smooth gives an evenly creamy texture — it’s totally up to your personal preference.

Is it possible to substitute the safflower oil?

Yes, you can substitute safflower oil with any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or even melted coconut oil. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the bread’s moisture.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. The top should also be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative, like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the crumb topping, and you’ll have a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tougher, denser bread. Stirring just until combined keeps the bread soft, tender, and perfectly crumbly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bread Recipe is more than a loaf — it’s a taste of comfort and joy baked into every slice. Bringing together two all-time favorite flavors, it’s a wonderful treat for any occasion that’s sure to brighten your day and those of your loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.