Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, you’ve come to the right place! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just any banana bread; it’s a scrumptious blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet ripe bananas, and chunks of chocolaty Reese’s cups. It’s an easy recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend brunches. Trust me, once you try this banana bread, you’ll be making it on repeat!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines two beloved flavors: peanut butter and chocolate. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is absolutely heavenly. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a slice all to yourself, this bread is sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate—this bread is sure to be a hit at the breakfast table!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy delicious slices throughout the week. It stores well and even tastes better the next day!
• Indulgent Flavor: The rich taste of peanut butter paired with sweet bananas and chocolatey Reese’s cups creates an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items you’ll likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread:

• 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

One of the best things about this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chips Galore: Replace or add chocolate chips if you’re craving even more chocolatey goodness.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based option.
• Spice It Up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, prepare your loaf pans by spraying them with baking spray or lightly coating them with butter and flour.

Step 2: Cream Together

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract. Beat for about two minutes until fluffy. This step helps create a light texture in your bread.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugars

Next, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for another two minutes until everything is well combined. The sugars will help caramelize during baking, giving your bread that lovely golden color.

Step 4: Add Eggs One by One

Now it’s time to add the eggs! Do this one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase the speed of your mixer for about thirty seconds until the mixture turns light beige. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl!

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Yogurt

Lower the mixer speed again and gradually add in the self-rising flour, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Start and finish with flour so that everything blends beautifully without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s

Using a spatula, gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand. This ensures those delicious chunks are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 7: Divide into Pans

Grab a measuring cup and divide your batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.

Step 8: Bake

Place them in your preheated oven! Bake for about thirty-five minutes before checking for browning. If it’s getting too dark, lay some foil on top.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Continue baking for another fifteen to twenty minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, cool them in their pans for about fifteen minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

And there you have it—your very own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Making the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be easy and fun with a few helpful tips!

• Choose ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they blend beautifully into the batter.

• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth batter that rises evenly. This ensures your bread has a lovely texture and doesn’t become dense.

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough banana bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep your bread tender and fluffy.

• Adjust baking time for altitude: If you live at a higher altitude, you might need to adjust your baking time slightly. Keep an eye on your loaves, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than suggested.

• Let it cool: Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps maintain its shape.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Serving this delightful banana bread is half the fun! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully and enjoy every bite.

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Whipped topping: A dollop of dairy-free whipped topping on each slice elevates this treat to dessert status!

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the banana bread. It’s refreshing and light!
• Greek yogurt: Serve alongside a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast that complements the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your banana bread with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• Ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free ice cream served on top makes for a decadent dessert – who could resist that combination?

Enjoy every slice of this wonderful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress your family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. With its rich flavors and moist texture, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled loaves in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label each package with the date.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the banana bread and place it on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture. Just keep in mind that it will change the consistency slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How can I ensure my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread stays moist?

To keep your banana bread moist, make sure to properly measure your flour and mash your bananas well. Also, don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you want an extra crunch or chocolatey flavor. Just ensure not to overload the batter.

What should I do if my Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is too dense?

If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or adding too much flour. Next time, try mixing just until combined and measuring accurately.

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

When stored properly, this banana bread can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, enjoy within three months for optimal flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! It’s such a special recipe that combines classic flavors into a wonderful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy making it for yourself and sharing it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking together. Happy baking!