Why Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Is Irresistible
Discover the rich, gooey delight of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread—a perfectly moist treat with a peanut butter twist that’s simply irresistible! This unique take on classic banana bread blends the creamy, nutty flavors of peanut butter with ripe bananas and chunks of Reese’s, creating a luscious, indulgent experience. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a decadent snack, this recipe fills the bill with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and soft textures that keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Fusion: Combining peanut butter and banana makes each bite an explosion of rich and natural sweetness.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The bread stays wonderfully moist thanks to ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter.
- Perfectly Sweet and Salty: Reese’s peanut butter cups add just the right touch of chocolatey saltiness to balance the flavors.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this a great option for any skill level.
- Versatile Snack or Dessert: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert—this bread fits all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe focuses on the harmony between bananas, peanut butter, and Reese’s to create an unforgettable flavor. Each item is chosen to enhance texture, moisture, and richness.
- Ripe bananas: Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty depth and smooth texture throughout the bread.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy bread base with the perfect crumb.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Baking soda: Essential for rising and fluffiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Butter or oil: Provides moisture and tenderizes the crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complements the peanut butter and banana flavors.
- Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups: Scattered inside and on top for gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate.
Variations for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
This recipe is beautifully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it based on your pantry staples, dietary needs, or just for fun twists. Here are some ideas to make it your own.
- Chocolate lover’s variation: Add mini chocolate chips alongside Reese’s for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend without sacrificing texture.
- Vegan twist: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter to make this treat vegan-friendly.
- Nut-free substitute: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to accommodate allergies.
- Add-ins: Consider chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and depth.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven and prepping your loaf pan with grease or parchment paper. Mash your ripe bananas until smooth and chop the Reese’s into chunks for even distribution.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, eggs, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugars. This ensures a uniform mixture and prevents clumps.
Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to avoid overmixing, which keeps the bread tender. Fold in most of the chopped Reese’s, saving some for topping.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, sprinkle the remaining Reese’s on top, and bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, signaling that your bread is perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice generously and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas: The sweeter and softer, the better for moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold to keep the bread light and tender.
- Add Reese’s last: Folding them in last prevents the peanut butter cups from melting completely.
- Check doneness early: Ovens vary, so begin testing with a toothpick near 50 minutes.
- Let it cool properly: This helps the bread settle, creating cleaner slices.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter can elevate presentation while adding delicate sweetness and flavor bursts.
Side Dishes
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this bread into a decadent dessert or refreshing afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Toast slices lightly and spread with extra peanut butter or cream cheese for varied textures and an extra punch of indulgence, perfect paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and flavorful.
Freezing
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months; thaw at room temperature for best results.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave or toaster oven for a few seconds to revive the soft, gooey texture and melt any peanut butter inside.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful texture contrasts that complement the softness of the banana bread.
What if I don’t have Reese’s peanut butter cups?
You can substitute with any peanut butter chocolates or even chopped peanuts with chocolate chips for a similar effect.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or fully brown skins to ensure the sweetest flavor and softest mash.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this bread is a kid-friendly treat with familiar flavors, but always ensure any allergies to peanuts or chocolate are considered.
Can I make mini muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to around 15–20 minutes and enjoy bite-sized versions for easy snacking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new favorite to brighten your baking routine, Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a gamechanger that’s both comforting and exciting. It brings together the best of peanut butter and banana bread in a way that feels like a warm hug and a treat all at once. Dive in, share it with friends, and watch it disappear fast—this recipe is simply too good to resist!
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PrintReese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a moist, rich, and indulgent twist on classic banana bread, blending creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This perfectly sweet and salty loaf offers a tender texture with gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten and nuts; variations possible for gluten-free and vegan diets
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth and chop the Reese’s peanut butter cups into chunks.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to ensure a uniform mixture and prevent clumps.
- Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine, taking care not to overmix in order to keep the bread tender. Fold in most of the chopped Reese’s, reserving some for sprinkling on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining Reese’s on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice generously and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and optimal moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.
- Add Reese’s peanut butter cups last and fold gently to prevent them from melting entirely.
- Start checking doneness with a toothpick around 50 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Allow the bread to cool properly to achieve clean slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Reese's, peanut butter banana bread, banana bread, peanut butter, dessert, snack, baking, chocolate, breakfast