The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and rich peanut butter creates an irresistibly moist and flavorful loaf. Add in gooey chocolate chips and a dreamy peanut butter frosting, and you have the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert.
Not only is this peanut butter banana bread easy to make, but it’s also naturally sweetened with maple syrup, making it a better-for-you treat. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save it for later, each slice delivers pure indulgence with every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 extra ripe large bananas, mashed (about 1 1/3 cups mashed banana)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or sub ½ cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar)
- 1/3 cup dairy-free milk of choice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired), plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature (or sub vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons dairy-free milk of choice
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the inside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed banana, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat together the butter and peanut butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk, and beat until creamy. If needed, add another ½ tablespoon of milk.
- Once the bread is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
Peanut Butter Banana Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Treat
Banana bread is a timeless classic, loved for its moist texture, natural sweetness, and comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. But when you take it up a notch with peanut butter and chocolate chips, you get an irresistible fusion of flavors that elevates the humble banana bread to a whole new level. This Peanut Butter Banana Bread is rich, nutty, and perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a post-dinner dessert, this loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the magic of peanut butter banana bread, its benefits, variations, storage tips, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Bread
There are so many reasons why this peanut butter banana bread is a must-try recipe:
1. Incredibly Moist & Fluffy Texture
Peanut butter can sometimes dry out baked goods, but when balanced with the moisture from ripe bananas, eggs, and milk, this loaf turns out perfectly soft, fluffy, and tender. Each bite is rich with nutty peanut butter flavor, complemented by the sweetness of bananas and the melty goodness of chocolate chips.
2. Naturally Sweetened & Healthier than Traditional Banana Bread
This peanut butter banana bread is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, eliminating the need for refined white sugar. The bananas not only add sweetness but also contribute to the moisture, allowing you to use less oil or butter in the recipe. The addition of whole wheat pastry flour also gives it a wholesome touch, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
3. The Perfect Flavor Combination
Banana and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. The nutty richness of peanut butter complements the natural sweetness of bananas, creating an incredibly satisfying taste. Add a handful of chocolate chips, and you have a loaf that tastes like dessert while still being a great breakfast or snack option.
4. Easy to Make in One Bowl
If you love simple, hassle-free baking, this recipe is for you. You can prepare the batter in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Just mix the wet ingredients, stir in the dry ingredients, fold in some chocolate chips, and bake it’s that easy!
5. Customizable to Suit Your Dietary Preferences
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on your dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the whole wheat flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
The Secret to the Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Bread
1. Use Overripe Bananas
For the best banana bread, always use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are not only sweeter but also softer, making them easier to mash and incorporate into the batter. This results in a naturally sweet and moist loaf.
2. Choose the Right Peanut Butter
Use natural peanut butter made with just peanuts (and maybe a little salt). Avoid peanut butter with added sugar or oils, as they can alter the texture and sweetness of the bread. You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on whether you prefer a smooth texture or a slight crunch in your bread.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense and tough. Stir the ingredients together just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will blend in during baking.
4. Use Chocolate Chips for Extra Indulgence
While optional, adding chocolate chips takes this banana bread to another level. The chocolate melts into the bread as it bakes, creating gooey pockets of flavor that complement the peanut butter and bananas perfectly.
5. Let It Cool Before Frosting
If you choose to add the creamy peanut butter frosting, make sure the bread has fully cooled before spreading it on top. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Variations & Add-Ins to Try
One of the best things about banana bread is how easy it is to customize! Here are some delicious variations and add-ins you can try:
1. Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Bread
Instead of mixing the peanut butter into the batter, try swirling it on top before baking for a marbled effect.
2. Nutty Banana Bread
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
3. Coconut Banana Bread
Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and bananas.
4. Protein-Packed Banana Bread
Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or peanut butter-flavored protein powder for a high-protein snack.
5. Spiced Banana Bread
Enhance the flavor with a touch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves in addition to the cinnamon.
How to Store & Freeze Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Storing at Room Temperature
- If you plan to eat the banana bread within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
Refrigerating for Longer Freshness
- To keep the bread fresh for up to 5 days, store it in the refrigerator.
- Wrap it tightly or place it in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing for Later
Peanut butter banana bread freezes exceptionally well. Follow these steps to freeze it:
- Let the bread cool completely.
- Slice it into individual portions (or freeze the whole loaf).
- Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, let the slices sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can enjoy it in so many other ways:
- Toasted with Butter: Spread a little butter or extra peanut butter on a warm toasted slice for a richer flavor.
- Drizzled with Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness.
- Served with Yogurt: Pair a slice with Greek yogurt and berries for a balanced breakfast.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The nutty, chocolatey flavors complement coffee and tea perfectly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the indulgence of chocolate chips. It’s an easy-to-make, wholesome treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
With its moist texture, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, this banana bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover, a banana bread fan, or just someone looking for a comforting homemade treat, this recipe is a must-try.
So, grab those overripe bananas sitting on your counter and whip up a loaf of this heavenly Peanut Butter Banana Bread today! Your taste buds will thank you.