How to Make the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread at Home 2025
Banana bread is a beloved classic, but when you add the rich creaminess of peanut butter and the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, you elevate it into a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds — the comforting softness of banana bread and the irresistible flavor of a peanut butter candy bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, delivering a loaf packed with flavor, moistness, and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to making your very own Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread from scratch!
Why This Peanut Butter Banana Bread Stands Out
Banana bread is typically a quick, satisfying bake made from ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs. This version, however, adds creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a richer, more decadent loaf. The peanut butter lends a nutty depth, while the chocolate chips offer pockets of melting sweetness.
The use of ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread tender and flavorful. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is timeless, evoking memories of Reese’s candy bars, which makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients: The Heart of Flavor and Texture
Understanding the ingredients helps you make informed substitutions or tweaks. Here’s a breakdown:
3 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
Bananas should be very ripe — look for brown spots or a mostly brown peel. This ripeness means they are at peak sweetness and softness, which is key for moisture and flavor in banana bread. Overripe bananas also mash easily, blending smoothly with other wet ingredients.
1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
The star ingredient that adds richness and nuttiness. Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly into the batter. You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you like texture, but it will alter the loaf’s consistency slightly.
1/3 Cup Melted Butter
Butter adds fat for tenderness and flavor. Using melted butter helps incorporate easily into the wet ingredients. For a healthier option, you could substitute with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
Brown sugar contributes sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor, complementing the peanut butter perfectly. It also helps keep the bread moist.
2 Large Eggs
Eggs bind ingredients together and provide structure. They also add richness and moisture.
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding a pleasant aroma.
1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
Flour forms the base and structure of the bread. All-purpose flour works well here, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends (ensure they contain xanthan gum for texture).
1 tsp Baking Soda
Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
1/2 tsp Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, blending beautifully with banana and peanut butter.
1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips add bursts of sweet, melty goodness throughout the bread.
Optional: Extra Banana Slices and Peanut Butter for Topping
Thin banana slices and a drizzle of peanut butter on top add visual appeal and extra flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan (lined with parchment or greased well)
- Mixing bowls (one large for wet ingredients, one medium for dry)
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
- Whisk or electric mixer (optional, for smooth mixing)
- Spatula for folding ingredients
- Toothpick or cake tester to check doneness
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Loaf
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth but not completely liquid. Some small lumps are fine.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir or whisk together until fully combined. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps your bread rise evenly.
Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet
Add the dry ingredients gradually into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing — too much mixing can develop gluten, making the bread tough.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold the chocolate chips gently into the batter, distributing them evenly.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan and Add Toppings
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, arrange thin banana slices on top and drizzle a little extra peanut butter for a beautiful finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Start checking around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (some melted chocolate is okay). Avoid opening the oven too frequently during baking to maintain even heat.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling time helps the bread set and makes slicing cleaner.
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread
- Bananas Matter: Use the ripest bananas possible. They ensure sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just enough to combine. Overmixing leads to dense, rubbery bread.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the bread at the lower end of baking time.
- Storage: Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Upgrade: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy for texture.
- Chocolate Swap: Use peanut butter cups, white chocolate chips, or caramel bits.
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), use plant-based butter, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 tsp separately.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm a slice and serve with butter or cream cheese for a simple treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a smoothie for a complete breakfast.
- Use slices in a dessert plate with ice cream and fresh berries.
- Toast slices lightly and spread with extra peanut butter or honey.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice — 1/8th of loaf)
- Calories: 280-320
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
Bananas provide potassium and fiber; peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats, making this bread more nutritious than a typical sweet baked good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture but can make the bread slightly denser.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can omit them or use chopped chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, or nuts instead.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best — the softer and sweeter, the better.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in two pans or adjust baking time accordingly.
How long will the bread stay fresh?
Stored well, it lasts 3-4 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the perfect marriage of classic comfort and indulgent candy bar flavors. Moist, tender, and bursting with peanut butter and chocolate, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert.
Whether you keep it classic or add your own twists like nuts or gluten-free flour, this recipe is versatile and forgiving. Baking it yourself means enjoying fresh, homemade goodness any time you want.
Try this recipe today and treat yourself to the ultimate peanut butter banana bread experience!
