Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines two beloved ingredients – peanut butter and bananas – to create a moist, flavorful bread with a slightly nutty, creamy texture. The peanut butter adds richness, while the bananas keep the bread tender and naturally sweet. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe bananas, and it’s a simple one-bowl recipe that comes together quickly. This bread is great for breakfast, a snack, or as a delicious dessert when served with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of flavors makes it both comforting and satisfying!

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar (you can substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup milk (or any non-dairy milk)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the peanut butter, softened butter, and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of dairy-free or regular chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolatey twist.
Nutty Banana Bread: Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and dairy-free butter to make the recipe vegan.
Banana Bread Muffins: Instead of making a loaf, you can divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Peanut Butter Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: This banana bread freezes well! Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave a slice for a quick treat.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It will give the bread a little more crunch, which can be delicious!

2. Can I make this bread without sugar?

You can reduce or eliminate the sugar if you prefer, but the bread may be less sweet. You can also substitute the sugar with maple syrup or honey, adjusting the wet ingredients as needed.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great way to make this peanut butter banana bread even more indulgent. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter before baking.

4. Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this banana bread gluten-free. Just ensure your other ingredients (like baking powder and soda) are gluten-free as well.

5. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter is a great substitute for peanut butter if you prefer or have a nut allergy. It will alter the flavor slightly but still create a delicious banana bread.

6. How do I prevent the banana bread from being too dense?

Be sure not to overmix the batter, as that can lead to a denser bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and avoid overworking the flour.

7. Can I add other fruits to this banana bread?

Yes, you can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples. Just be sure not to add too much moisture, or it could affect the texture.

8. Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake mini loaves for 30-35 minutes or muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). This will work well to bind the ingredients together.

10. Can I freeze this bread for later?

Yes, this peanut butter banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make treat that combines two of the most beloved flavors – peanut butter and banana. The moist, flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With just the right amount of sweetness and richness, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation. Enjoy the warm, nutty aroma and treat yourself to a slice of this irresistible bread!