Banana bread is a timeless favorite in households everywhere. But what if you could add a little twist to the traditional recipe? Enter peanut butter banana bread! The combination of creamy peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas creates an irresistibly moist and flavorful loaf that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This recipe was born out of my love for both peanut butter and banana bread, and I just couldn’t resist combining the two. The result is a soft, rich, and slightly nutty banana bread with that satisfying peanut butter kick. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or someone who just enjoys a twist on classic comfort food, this peanut butter banana bread is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Keep reading to find out how to make it and why it’s a must-try!

Why I Love This Recipe

Peanut butter and banana go together like a dream. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already experimented with peanut butter and banana sandwiches or enjoyed a smoothie made with both. There’s something magical about the combination of savory peanut butter and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Adding peanut butter to banana bread not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delicious creaminess to the texture. The peanut butter helps keep the bread incredibly moist, ensuring each bite is tender and packed with flavor.

Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can make it as sweet or as savory as you like by adjusting the sugar or even adding in extras like chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just basic kitchen tools and a loaf pan. The result is a comforting, rich loaf of banana bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Bread

For this peanut butter banana bread, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather before you begin:

Ripe bananas: The key to a perfect banana bread is using overripe bananas. Their sweetness and moisture are what make the bread so tender and flavorful.
Peanut butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for the best texture. You can use natural peanut butter for a healthier option, but the classic creamy variety will give you the richest taste.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for a light and fluffy banana bread.
Baking soda: This helps the bread rise and gives it that perfect airy texture.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bread.

Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is perfect for this recipe. The brown sugar adds a bit of depth to the flavor.
Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness in the bread and balances out the flavors.
Vanilla extract: This adds a nice aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the banana bread.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the batter, ensuring the bread is moist and tender.
Milk: A little milk is used to adjust the batter consistency and make it easier to mix.
Optional mix-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even some mini marshmallows for an extra twist.

How Much Time Will You Need

Making peanut butter banana bread is surprisingly quick. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation time: About 15 minutes. This includes mashing the bananas, mixing the ingredients, and preparing the pan.
Baking time: 60-70 minutes, depending on your oven. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling time: Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Afterward, let it cool completely before slicing, which ensures the bread holds together better.

Altogether, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time.

How to Make This Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Making peanut butter banana bread is as simple as it gets. Just follow these easy steps to bake a loaf of deliciousness:

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking. This is an important step because you want the bread to come out of the pan smoothly.

Step 2: Mash the bananas
Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth with a few small chunks. The more ripe the bananas, the easier they will mash, and the sweeter the bread will be. Set this aside.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar (both granulated and brown sugar). Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined. The peanut butter will give the mixture a creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Add milk and stir gently
To adjust the batter’s consistency, pour in the milk and stir until it’s fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, but it should pour easily into the pan.

Step 6: Bake the bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and serve
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread firm up and ensures you get perfectly shaped slices.

Substitutions

If you’re looking for ways to customize this peanut butter banana bread, there are plenty of substitutes you can try:

Peanut butter: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.

Sugar: For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Just be aware that this may change the texture slightly.
Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf, or opt for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Bread

While peanut butter banana bread is amazing on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are three side dish ideas that go wonderfully with this bread:

Greek yogurt with honey and berries: The tanginess of the yogurt balances the sweetness of the bread, and the berries add a fresh, fruity note.
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of bananas, strawberries, and pineapple would complement the banana bread beautifully.

Scrambled eggs or an omelette: For a heartier breakfast or brunch, pair the bread with scrambled eggs or an omelette for a satisfying meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting your peanut butter banana bread, the key is to make it look as appetizing as it tastes. The golden, slightly crispy edges of the bread paired with its soft interior create an irresistible contrast. Here are a few tips to elevate the presentation:

Slice with care: For the best presentation, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread hold its shape, so your slices will be neat and not crumble.

Garnish with peanut butter: A small dollop of creamy peanut butter on top of each slice adds a fun touch and enhances the peanut flavor.
Serve with a drizzle: You can drizzle a little honey or melted chocolate over the top for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Add a side of whipped cream: A generous scoop of freshly whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this rich, moist banana bread.

Serve on a rustic wooden platter: Present your bread on a wooden serving board or platter to add a cozy, homemade feel. It’s perfect for a brunch gathering or a casual family breakfast.

By following these tips, you’ll make sure your peanut butter banana bread not only tastes fantastic but looks inviting too!

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Want to take your peanut butter banana bread to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks that will make your bread even more delightful:

Use very ripe bananas: Overripe bananas are key to getting the perfect sweetness and moist texture. The more brown spots, the better. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two to help speed up the ripening process.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will add warmth and depth to the bread, complementing the peanut butter and banana flavors beautifully.

Incorporate chocolate chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a melty, gooey addition to every bite.
Top with a peanut butter glaze: For a more indulgent treat, mix a bit of powdered sugar with peanut butter and a splash of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the warm bread for a delicious finishing touch.

By incorporating these little extras, you’ll have a loaf that’s not only delicious but also packed with extra flavor!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most experienced bakers can make a few missteps when preparing banana bread. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for, so you can bake the perfect loaf:

Using unripe bananas: If you use bananas that are too firm or not ripe enough, the bread will lack sweetness and moisture. Make sure your bananas are soft and speckled with brown spots before using them.
Overmixing the batter: As tempting as it may be to mix until the batter is perfectly smooth, overmixing can result in a dense, rubbery loaf. Be gentle and mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different, so don’t rely solely on the time given in the recipe. Start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Not letting the bread cool before slicing: Cutting into the bread too early while it’s still warm can cause it to fall apart. Be patient and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve a perfectly baked peanut butter banana bread every time!

How to Store It

Banana bread is great for making ahead, and storing it properly ensures that it stays fresh for longer. Here are some tips on how to store your peanut butter banana bread:

At room temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep for about 2-3 days at room temperature.
In the fridge: If you need to keep it fresh for longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze your banana bread! Slice it into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Proper storage ensures that your peanut butter banana bread stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a bit of extra texture. The bread will have more bite and a slight crunch, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this peanut butter banana bread gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter is a great idea! Mini chocolate chips work best since they distribute more evenly throughout the bread, creating pockets of chocolate goodness.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Definitely! You can swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the bread.

Can I make mini loaves instead of a full-sized loaf?
Yes! You can bake this batter in mini loaf pans. Just reduce the baking time to 30-40 minutes and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe