Pin it
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgent flavor of Reese’s peanut butter cups for a moist and delicious treat. This bread combines creamy peanut butter with chocolate-studded banana goodness to create a snack that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you need a tasty pick-me-up.
I first made this bread when I wanted to use up some overripe bananas and leftover Reese’s cups. It was an instant hit and now it’s a regular in my rotation for weekend baking. Everyone loves how the peanut butter cups melt into little pockets of chocolatey joy.
Ingredients
- Three to four ripe bananas: these provide natural sweetness and moisture making the bread tender
- One cup of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups: they add bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor you can chop them to your preferred size for the best melt
- One and three quarter cups all-purpose flour: or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version choose a good quality flour with a fine texture
- Half a cup creamy peanut butter: this adds richness and binds the batter, opt for a creamy variety for smoothness
- Three quarters cup sugar: can be replaced with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier alternative use fine sugar for even mixing
- Two large eggs: or flax eggs for a vegan substitute ensure eggs are at room temperature for best results
- One teaspoon baking soda: this is the rising agent that helps the bread puff up and stay light
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: for aroma and depth use pure vanilla extract for best flavor
- Half a teaspoon salt: to balance sweetness and enhance overall taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas:
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth but still a little chunky to keep texture in the bread
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk together peanut butter sugar eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined creamy and smooth to ensure a silky batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the flour baking soda and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning through the flour
- Blend Wet and Dry:
- Fold the dry ingredients gently into the banana wet mixture mixing just until everything is combined This prevents overworking the batter which keeps the bread tender
- Add Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups:
- Carefully fold in the chopped peanut butter cups so they are evenly spread throughout the batter creating pockets of melted chocolate once baked
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for fifty to sixty minutes Test doneness with a toothpick which should come out clean when the bread is done
Pin it
My favorite ingredient has to be the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups Their little bursts of chocolate and peanut butter add such a fun surprise with every bite. It reminds me of the time I baked this for my family’s movie night and everyone went back for seconds because it felt more like a dessert than a simple snack.
Storage Tips
Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moisture Keep it at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to extend freshness for about a week Slices can be frozen individually wrapped for quick snacks later just thaw at room temperature or toast lightly to refresh
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use natural peanut butter but it may make the batter a bit denser so add a splash of milk if needed For a vegan option substitute eggs with flax eggs made by mixing one tablespoon flaxseed meal with three tablespoons water per egg Maple syrup or coconut sugar provide healthier alternatives to refined sugar with subtle flavor differences that complement the bananas perfectly
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a drizzle of melted peanut butter or vegan butter for extra richness Pair with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack Add sliced bananas or a few extra chopped peanut butter cups on top for a pretty presentation and added texture
Cultural Context
Pin it
Peanut butter banana bread combines traditional American comfort flavors with the beloved Reese’s candy twist making it a modern classic This recipe is a fun example of how regional ingredients can elevate a familiar treat into something special and playful
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bananas work best?
Heavily speckled ripe bananas bring maximum sweetness and moisture, enhancing the bread's softness.
- → Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Yes, a gluten-free flour blend works well to keep the bread tender while accommodating dietary needs.
- → How should I incorporate the peanut butter cups?
Chop them moderately and gently fold into the batter to distribute chocolate pockets evenly without melting them too soon.
- → What’s the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring a moist, cooked-through loaf.
- → How can I keep the bread moist?
Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness, and use ripe bananas with natural sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.