Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas, this recipe is a dream come true. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious, and the texture is incredibly moist thanks to the ripe bananas. The addition of Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups takes this banana bread to the next level, adding a fun, candy-filled surprise in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, this bread is easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Reese’s and chocolate chips: Fold in the chopped Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups and the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use non-dairy butter and peanut butter.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture alongside the Reese’s.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of this banana bread.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in extra peanut butter to the batter for even more peanut butter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store this banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are ideal because they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s smooth and not too runny, as some natural peanut butters can be more liquid than creamy varieties.
Can I substitute the sugar in the recipe?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor, but it may slightly affect the texture.
Can I make this recipe without the Reese’s candy?
Yes, you can skip the Reese’s and just use chocolate chips for a simpler chocolate-peanut butter banana bread.
Can I add other mix-ins to the banana bread?
Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other candies to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I use a smaller loaf pan for this recipe?
A smaller loaf pan may require a shorter baking time. Check the bread 5-10 minutes earlier if using a smaller pan.
How can I prevent the Reese’s from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of bread?
Yes, you can turn this into muffins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an irresistible, indulgent treat that combines everything you love—peanut butter, banana, and chocolate. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert. The addition of Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups gives this banana bread an extra burst of flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save some for later—either way, this delicious loaf is sure to disappear quickly!
PrintReese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread blends the rich flavors of peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chocolate, topped off with Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups. It’s a moist, indulgent treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. If you love peanut butter and banana combos, this twist on classic banana bread will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, peanut butter, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Reese’s Pieces or mini Reese’s cups and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Overripe bananas are best for maximum sweetness.
- Use natural peanut butter, but ensure it’s smooth for the best consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American