Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of peanut butter and banana, then you’ve come to the right place with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my kitchen because it’s not only easy to make but also delivers an irresistible combination of sweetness and nuttiness with every bite. Whether you whip it up for a busy weeknight dessert or serve it at your next family gathering, this bread is sure to become a staple.

The best part? It fills your home with the most inviting aroma while baking, creating a cozy atmosphere that everyone loves. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to share it with all your friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect even on the busiest days.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet and creamy flavors of peanut butter and banana.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake a loaf in advance and enjoy it throughout the week; it stays fresh and delicious for days!
• Delicious flavor: The addition of chopped Reese’s cups takes this classic banana bread to a whole new level of yumminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together to create this amazing Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Base

• 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs

For the Bread

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 small ripe bananas (mashed [about 1 1/2 cup])
• 1 1/2- 2 cups chopped Reese’s cups

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use different chocolate: Swap out Reese’s cups for other chocolate candies like mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks.
• Make it healthier: Substitute half the sugar with applesauce for a lighter version that still tastes delicious.
• Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor twist.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, prepare your loaf pans by spraying them with baking spray or butter and flour. This step ensures that your delicious banana bread releases easily when it’s time to slice!

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla for about two minutes until fluffy. This step is key because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your bread a lovely light texture.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Next, add both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the mix. Beat on medium-high speed for two minutes until everything is well combined. The sugars will help create that golden crust we all love!

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Now it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time! Mix well after each addition. Then increase the mixer speed and beat for another thirty seconds until you see a light beige color forming. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally!

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Yogurt

Lower your mixer speed again and gradually add self-rising flour alternately with Greek yogurt. Start and end with flour to ensure even mixing. Beat just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to dense bread.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate

With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups until fully incorporated. This is where all those lovely flavors come together!

Step 7: Divide Batter into Pans

Using a measuring cup, divide the batter evenly between your prepared loaf pans. This way, both loaves will bake at the same rate.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place your pans in the preheated oven. After about 35 minutes, check for browning—if they’re getting too brown, lay foil over the tops. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool in their pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely so they slice beautifully!

And there you have it! Your very own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread that’s sure to be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Baking this delightful bread is a breeze with these handy tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time!

• Use extremely ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even ones that are mostly brown for the best results.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense texture. Once you add the flour and yogurt, mix just until combined to keep your bread light and fluffy.

• Measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This avoids packing it down, which can result in too much flour and a dry loaf.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the banana bread to cool fully ensures that it sets properly, making for cleaner slices. Plus, it enhances the flavor as it continues to develop while cooling.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your loaf with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. Get creative and make it your own!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not only delicious on its own but can be elevated with some thoughtful presentation and complementary sides.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled loaves can make for an elegant presentation and extra sweetness.
• Fresh banana slices: Adding a few fresh banana slices on top not only looks appealing but also ties back to the flavors in your bread.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad complements the richness of the banana bread and offers a refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your slice with a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack experience.
• Nut butter spread: Serve alongside an extra smear of peanut butter or almond butter for those who want an extra protein punch.

Enjoy creating this delicious treat and sharing it with family and friends! Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious loaves fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for added freshness.
• For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for about a week.

Freezing

• Slice the banana bread before freezing; this way, you can take out just what you need later.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags, pressing out as much air as possible.
• Label the bags with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a whole loaf, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
• Enjoy warm with a spread of peanut butter or your favorite toppings!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! While the recipe calls for smooth peanut butter, feel free to substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

How do I make sure my bananas are ripe enough?

Look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots; this indicates they are sweet and perfect for baking. Using overly ripe bananas will enhance the flavor of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Reese’s cups, you can substitute them with chocolate chips or any other candy bar that complements peanut butter well.

How long does Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread last?

When stored properly at room temperature, your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends its life to about a week!

Can I add nuts to this banana bread?

Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a lovely addition to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread if you’re looking for extra crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to dive into making this scrumptious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! It’s a wonderful treat that combines flavors we all love: creamy peanut butter, sweet ripe bananas, and delightful chocolate. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a cozy snack during the day, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite. Happy baking!