How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
If you’re looking to treat yourself to something irresistibly delicious, then learning how to make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an absolute must! This recipe brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this peanut butter banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Combo: The classic blend of peanut butter and banana combines sweetness and savory richness in every bite.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This bread stays soft and moist thanks to ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter.
- Simple to Make: Using everyday ingredients and easy steps makes this recipe perfect for any baker.
- Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert.
- Keeps Well: Store it and enjoy leftovers for days without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread comes down to using simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in flavor and texture. From ripe bananas to creamy peanut butter, every item has been thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the bread.
- Ripe Bananas: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture that infuses the bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it fluffy.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Butter or Oil: Keeps the bread moist while enhancing flavor.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that elevates the bread.
- A Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and richness.
- Optional Reese’s Pieces or Chopped Reese’s: For an extra burst of peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
Variations for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these popular variations and make the bread truly your own.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips for a gooey, chocolatey surprise.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe, allergy-friendly twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend without losing moistness.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for texture and nutty flavor.
- Healthier Swap: Substitute some sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth but leave a few small chunks for texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter or oil, and sugar. Beat them together until smooth and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the bread, giving it a perfect rise.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you no longer see flour. If desired, gently fold in Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s for added bursts of peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The browner the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Check Early for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start testing with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with nuts, chocolate, or even swirl extra peanut butter on top before baking.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Garnishes
Top your slices with a drizzle of melted peanut butter, a sprinkle of chopped Reese’s, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to make every bite visually and flavorfully exciting.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples for a balanced snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut slices into small bites and serve on a platter for gatherings, or toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese or Nutella for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy later without wasting any.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast lightly to restore that fresh-baked taste and softness. Adding a pat of butter before warming makes it even more indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter can add a more intense peanut flavor, but it might affect the texture slightly, making the bread a bit denser.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days; this will speed up the ripening process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten intolerance.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
How do I store Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for the best taste?
Keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate for longer storage; just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the perfect recipe in your hands, it’s time to bake your own moist, rich, and wonderfully flavorful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of peanut butter and banana, and it’s so easy to make, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas in no time. So grab those ripe bananas and that creamy peanut butter, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort and joy!
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas for a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make with everyday ingredients, this bread offers a tender texture and the classic sweet-savory flavor combo that everyone will love. Customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or gluten-free flour to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend; classic version contains gluten)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas (with plenty of brown spots)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar (or substitute part with honey or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup softened butter or oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces or chopped Reese’s
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter or oil, and sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until no flour is visible to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in optional Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s, chocolate chips, or nuts if using.
- Bake the Bread: Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Begin checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix your batter to keep the bread tender.
- Ensure eggs and butter/oil are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Start testing bread doneness at 50 minutes as ovens vary.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts, chocolate, or extra peanut butter swirls for personalized flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Peanut butter banana bread, Reese's banana bread, gluten-free banana bread, peanut butter dessert, easy banana bread