Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter and the sweet goodness of bananas, then you’ve come to the right place! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is one of my all-time favorites. It’s not just a comforting snack; it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a sweet breakfast option. The delightful chunks of Reese’s cups mixed in with the warm banana bread create a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! Plus, this bread is versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying it solo with a cup of coffee or sharing it with friends at brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of steps, you’ll have delicious bread baking away in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet twist on traditional banana bread.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time, and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate from Reese’s cups makes this a standout treat!
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields two loaves, so there’s plenty to share—or keep one all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is part of the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that blend beautifully together. Let’s take a look at what you need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Nut Butters: Try almond or cashew butter if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
• Swap in Dark Chocolate Chips: If you love dark chocolate, substitute half the Reese’s cups with dark chocolate chips.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour for a gluten-free version!

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bread starts baking at the right temperature, leading to that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Spray the bottom and sides of two non-stick metal loaf pans (9 x 5 OR 8 x 4 inches) with baking spray or simply butter and flour them. This will help prevent sticking and make it easy to remove your beautiful loaves later.

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract for about two minutes until fluffy. This airiness will provide structure and texture to your bread!

Step 4: Combine Sugars

Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the mix. Beat on medium-high speed for another two minutes until everything is fully combined. The sugars add sweetness and moisture—important elements in making this bread irresistible!

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase your mixer speed and beat for about 30 seconds until light beige in color. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides occasionally; we want everything mixed evenly!

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Lower your mixer speed again and gradually add in flour alternately with yogurt, starting and ending with flour. Mixing gently helps keep our batter light and fluffy.

Step 7: Add Bananas & Reese’s Cups

Now comes my favorite part! Fold in those mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand until fully incorporated. The delicious chunks of candy will melt slightly during baking—heavenly!

Step 8: Divide Batter Between Pans

Use a measuring cup to divide your batter evenly between those prepared loaf pans. Each pan should be filled about two-thirds full.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes before checking for browning. If they’re getting too dark on top, lay a piece of foil over them gently.

Step 10: Test & Cool

Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool them in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

And there you have it—your very own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! Enjoy every slice; I know I do!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Baking this delightful bread is a joy, and a few tips will help ensure your creation turns out perfectly every time!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal sweetness.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more evenly baked loaf.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of the fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. This prevents overbaking and keeps your bread moist.

• Cool properly: Allow the loaves to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps set the structure and improves sliceability.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Serving Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for an added crunch that complements the creamy peanut butter flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle made from melted dark chocolate can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with light whipped coconut cream to add a luscious texture contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries, oranges, and kiwi adds brightness and balances the richness of the banana bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for an easy side dish that offers protein and fiber alongside your sweet treat.
• Nutty granola: Serve with a side of nutty granola; its crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with the soft banana bread.
• Herbal tea or coffee: A warm cup of herbal tea or coffee makes for a cozy complement while you savor each slice of this delicious banana bread.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Here are some tips on how to keep your delicious loaves fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the wrapped bread. It will last about a week.

Freezing

• Slice the banana bread before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just label and date the bags!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer.
• Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
• Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use chunky peanut butter in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your banana bread. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the smoothness of the batter.

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

Check your bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready to come out of the oven!

Can I substitute other types of flour for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe?

While self-rising flour works best for this recipe, you can try all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and salt as an alternative. Adjustments may be needed to achieve similar results.

What should I serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

This tasty banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea! You can also enjoy it with a spread of cream cheese or more peanut butter for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread as much as I do! Its delightful blend of flavors makes it a special addition to any breakfast table or dessert spread. Enjoy every slice, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy baking!