Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter, then you’ve come to the right place! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just any banana bread; it’s a decadent treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of Reese’s cups. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and trust me, it will disappear faster than you can say “yum!”

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. The combination of flavors creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making everyone feel right at home. So grab those overripe bananas and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious bread in the oven before you know it!
• Kid-approved: Kids love the chocolatey chunks of Reese’s, making it a hit for school snacks or weekend breakfasts.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake two loaves and keep one for yourself while gifting the other to friends or neighbors.
• Easy to customize: You can tweak this recipe to suit your tastes, whether adding nuts or swapping in different mix-ins.
• Freezes beautifully: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze one loaf for a future treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to put your own spin on it with these fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use other candy: Swap out the Reese’s cups with chocolate chips or your favorite candy bar pieces.
• Make it healthier: Substitute half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Switch up the nut butter: Try almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from start to finish. While that’s warming up, take out two non-stick metal loaf pans and spray them with baking spray or butter and flour. We don’t want our delicious creation sticking!

Step 2: Cream Together Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until fluffy—about two minutes should do the trick! This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your batter, giving your bread that lovely light texture.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Next, add both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat on medium-high speed for another two minutes until everything is fully combined. The combination of sugars adds depth of flavor and sweetness that pairs perfectly with bananas.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Now it’s time to add in those eggs—one at a time! Mix well after each addition. Once all four eggs are in there, increase the speed of your mixer and beat for about thirty seconds until light beige in color. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl now and then; we want everything mixed evenly.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the self-rising flour alternately with Greek yogurt. Start and end with flour—this helps maintain that fluffy texture we created earlier. Once everything is added, beat just until combined, scraping again as needed.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

Gently fold in your mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand. Be careful not to overmix; we want those sweet chunks throughout without breaking them apart too much!

Step 7: Divide Batter Into Pans

Using a measuring cup, evenly divide your batter between the two prepared loaf pans. It’s helpful to do this carefully so they bake uniformly.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop those pans into your preheated oven! Bake for about 35 minutes before checking on them—if they’re browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This part is important; no one wants gooey bread in the middle!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Allow them to cool in their pans for about fifteen minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. This helps set their shape so they slice beautifully later on.

And there you have it! Your very own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread—a deliciously sweet treat that will surely become a favorite in no time! Enjoy every moist slice!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Baking a delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a joy! Here are some useful tips to ensure your loaves turn out perfectly every time.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots; they’re perfect for mashing!

• Measure flour correctly: To avoid dense bread, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dry results.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough banana bread instead of the tender texture you want.

• Cool before slicing: Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Slicing too soon can cause the bread to crumble.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze slices for future enjoyment!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

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

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an extra layer of indulgence that complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bread.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the banana bread.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey on the side for a protein-packed option that balances the sweetness of the bread.

• Coffee or tea: Pairing your banana bread with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the experience, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with this delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

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.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped loaves in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen banana bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the loaf on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

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

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to your banana bread, making it even more delightful.

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 up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months!

Can I substitute other types of sugar in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! You can experiment with coconut sugar or honey as alternatives. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may alter the consistency slightly.

What can I add to Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips if you want an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

Making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful experience that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring joy into your kitchen and share delicious moments with family and friends. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to try this recipe — it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!