There’s banana bread, and then there’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread and trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll never look at regular banana bread the same way again. Imagine a soft, moist banana bread infused with the creamy richness of peanut butter and studded with irresistible chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a dessert to impress, this one’s a game-changer. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family morning, a casual get-together with friends, or just treating yourself, this banana bread is the ultimate comfort food. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s a treat that fits any time of the day.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, so no need for expensive ingredients.
Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques required just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Customizable: You can add extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Here’s what makes this banana bread absolutely dreamy:
Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
Flour: The base that holds everything together, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully while keeping it light.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, making every bite balanced.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add a bit of structure to the loaf.
Sugar: Just the right amount to enhance the sweetness of the bananas.
Vanilla Extract: A small touch that makes a big difference in flavor depth.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The star ingredient! These melt into gooey, chocolatey pockets of goodness.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature to ensure even baking. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. This will help create a moist and flavorful base for the bread.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Fold in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for the recommended time until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300-350 kcal (depending on the exact ingredients and portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
This banana bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:
- Warm it up and spread a little extra peanut butter on top.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over each slice for extra indulgence.
Additional Tips
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- If you want an extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread moist.
- Freeze slices individually for a quick grab-and-go treat.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth? Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the bread.
How do I store this banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, but the bread may be a bit denser. You can do half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a better balance.
What can I use instead of Reese’s peanut butter cups? Try chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chunks.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results.
Can I add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor? Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will enhance the warm, cozy flavors.
Why is my banana bread too dry? Overmixing or overbaking could be the cause. Make sure to mix just until combined and bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
How can I make it even more chocolatey? Add extra chocolate chips or swirl in some melted chocolate before baking.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? Yes! Just divide the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the ultimate blend of comfort, nostalgia, and pure indulgence. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab those ripe bananas, chop up some Reese’s cups, and get baking because this is one loaf you don’t want to miss!
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a sweet and indulgent treat that combines the flavors of peanut butter, banana, and the irresistible taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups. A perfect dessert for those who love a decadent twist on classic banana bread!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (and chocolate chips, if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, swirl in a bit of melted peanut butter on top before baking.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- This banana bread is delicious served warm with an extra dollop of peanut butter or chocolate spread!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12th of the loaf)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg