Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! I first whipped this up one lazy Sunday afternoon, craving something sweet yet comforting. The thought of moist banana bread packed with gooey Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a hint of chocolate had my mouth watering. I just knew I had to try it, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of flavors—sweet, salty, and that unmistakable chocolate-peanut butter duo that is endlessly delightful! Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter—those little brown spots are a baker’s best friend!
What’s in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?
Bananas: The star of the show! Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. I always use those that have turned really brown; they’re the sweetest!
Peanut Butter: Of course, we need creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on what you prefer. I like to splurge on the good stuff—natural peanut butter that’s smooth and has no added sugar.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These little gems are the pièce de résistance! They melt beautifully into the bread, adding both chunks of chocolate and that creamy peanut butter flavor.
Sugar: A little bit of granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness. Since the bananas are already sweet, you won’t need a ton.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread, ensuring it’s light and airy.
Baking Soda: This helps the bread rise, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and act as a binding agent, keeping everything together.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds fantastic flavor depth to the bread.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, this isn’t a salad! But there are some redeeming qualities.
Bananas: They’re a fantastic source of potassium, which is great for heart health. Plus, their natural sweetness means we can cut down on added sugars.
Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it can keep you feeling full and satisfied. Just make sure to choose a brand with minimal added sugars.
The downside? This bread is definitely a treat! It’s rich and indulgent. So while it has some healthy ingredients, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Ingredients
– 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
– 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
– 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (chopped)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
This recipe serves about 8 slices of sweet, peanut buttery goodness.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add in the peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bliss: Tips and Tricks
– For an extra touch, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or chopped Reese’s on top of the batter before baking. Decadent!
– You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour if you’re looking for a tiny health boost.
– This banana bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly and pop it in the freezer for a quick treat later.
I hope you give this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread a try! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. Share your creations—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy baking!
