Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas, then you’re in for a real treat with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home for years. There’s something magical about the way ripe bananas blend with smooth peanut butter and chocolatey Reese’s cups. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a sweet breakfast option that everyone will love.

Every time I bake this bread, it fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just mix, pour, and bake! Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe straightforward.
• Family Favorite: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—perfect for breakfast or snacks!
• Deliciously Nutritious: Packed with protein from the peanut butter and Greek yogurt, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it warm out of the oven or toasted with a little extra spread of peanut butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create something special without too much fuss. Gather them together, and let’s get started!

For the Batter

• 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
• 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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Use Different Chocolate: Swap out Reese’s cups for chocolate chips or chunks for a different texture.
• Try Other Berries: Add blueberries or strawberries along with the bananas for a fruity twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use vegan yogurt instead.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. While that heats up, prepare your loaf pans by spraying them with baking spray or greasing them with butter and flour.

Step 2: Cream Together Peanut Butter and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract for about two minutes until it’s fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your bread light and tender.

Step 3: Mix in Sugars

Next, add both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the creamed mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for two minutes until fully combined. The sugars will add sweetness and moisture to our bread.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Now it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time—mixing well after each addition. Increase the speed of your mixer after all eggs have been added; beat for another 30 seconds until you achieve a light beige color. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally!

Step 5: Combine Flour and Yogurt

Lower the mixer speed again. Alternately add self-rising flour and Greek yogurt into your batter, starting and ending with flour. It’s important not to overbeat here; just mix until everything is incorporated nicely.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand until they’re fully mixed into the batter. This step allows those delicious chunks of chocolatey goodness to be evenly distributed throughout!

Step 7: Divide Your Batter

Use a measuring cup to divide your batter equally between the two prepared loaf pans. This ensures both loaves bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Place your pans in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes before checking on browning; if needed, lay foil over top to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Check Doneness

Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This part is important—proper baking time is key to getting that perfect texture!

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, allow your loaves to cool in their pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Letting them cool completely will help set their structure so they slice beautifully later on.

And there you have it! A scrumptious loaf of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread that’s sure to become a favorite in your home too! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Baking this delightful banana bread is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can make it even better!

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Let it cool properly: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan helps prevent it from falling apart. It also allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Try different mix-ins: While Reese’s cups are a star here, feel free to experiment with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variety.
• Store correctly: Keep your banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it moist and delicious for days!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Serving your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be as whimsical as it is delicious! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over each slice can enhance sweetness and make it even more indulgent.
• Fresh fruit: Slices of fresh banana or strawberries on the side not only look appealing but also offer a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt beside your slice provides creaminess and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your banana bread with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting breakfast or afternoon snack experience.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, making this meal feel more vibrant and healthy.
• Ice cream: For an indulgent dessert option, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream—it’s simply heavenly!

Enjoy every moment spent baking and sharing this delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it make for a delicious breakfast or snack, but it also stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the banana bread into individual pieces for easy serving.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.

Reheating

• For individual slices, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• If reheating the whole loaf, preheat the oven to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly based on your choice.

How can I make my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread more chocolatey?

You can add chocolate chips along with the chopped Reese’s cups for an extra chocolaty treat. This will enhance the sweetness and richness of your banana bread!

What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread so special?

This recipe combines creamy peanut butter with ripe bananas and bits of Reese’s cups, creating a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion!

How do I know when my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is ready to be taken out of the oven!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring a little happiness into your kitchen. Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to delight everyone who tries it. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your creations with family and friends! Happy baking!