Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! Imagine the sweet aroma of ripe bananas mingling with the rich, nutty scent of peanut butter wafting from your kitchen. This easy peanut butter banana bread recipe delivers that dreamy combination perfectly. You’ll create a moist, tender crumb with a lovely golden crust, making every slice a pure delight. Get ready for a quick and straightforward baking process that yields truly incredible results.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Bread
This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. It effortlessly combines beloved flavors and simple techniques.
- Intense Peanut Butter Flavor: This bread isn’t shy; you get a delightful burst of nutty, creamy peanut butter in every bite. It truly elevates classic banana bread.
- Uses Ripe Bananas Perfectly: Say goodbye to wasted overripe bananas! This recipe is the perfect excuse to turn those spotty fruits into something spectacular and sweet. For the best flavor and moisture, culinary resources explain why overripe bananas are ideal for baking.
- Simple Ingredients, Minimal Fuss: You likely have most of these pantry staples already. The steps are straightforward, making this a go-to for any baker, especially beginners.
- Moist and Tender Crumb: Thanks to the ripe bananas and melted butter, your loaf will be incredibly moist, soft, and never dry. It’s a texture dream come true.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy this delicious peanut butter banana bread for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a simple, comforting dessert. It truly fits any moment.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic peanut butter banana bread. Each one plays a key role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our loaf, providing structure. Make sure to measure accurately, preferably by weight for best results.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Our essential leavening agent, helping the bread rise and become tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the bread.
- 1 cup mashed brown bananas (you will need 3 large brown bananas): The star of the show! Very ripe, brown-spotted bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds that irresistible nutty flavor and contributes to the bread’s moist texture. Use your favorite creamy brand.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and moisture. Melting it helps it incorporate smoothly into the wet ingredients.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Contributes a lovely caramel note and helps keep the bread wonderfully moist. Pack it firmly into the measuring cup.
- 1 large egg (at room temperature): Acts as a binder and adds richness. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth.
Notes & Substitutions
You have some flexibility with a few ingredients, but following the recipe for this peanut butter banana bread will yield the best results.
- Bananas: Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are absolutely key. They are sweeter and easier to mash, leading to a more flavorful and moist bread. Avoid using firm, green bananas.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy, regular peanut butter is preferred for the consistent texture and classic taste. Natural peanut butter can sometimes alter the texture of the loaf, making it a bit drier or oilier depending on the brand, so stick with creamy for this recipe.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best here for its balanced gluten content, giving the bread a tender yet sturdy structure.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar slightly to taste. If your bananas are extremely sweet and ripe, you might consider reducing the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
- Dairy: Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your bread. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added kosher salt by a pinch.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking a breeze and ensures your peanut butter banana bread turns out perfectly every time.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: Essential for shaping your delicious quick bread.
- Mixing bowls: You will need one medium and one large bowl to keep your dry and wet ingredients separate initially.
- Whisk: Perfect for thoroughly combining the dry ingredients.
- Fork or potato masher: For easily mashing those ripe bananas into a smooth consistency.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for gently folding the batter and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Wire cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around your bread, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring even cooling.
How To Make This Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your incredibly delicious peanut butter banana bread. You’ll be enjoying a slice in no time.
- Prep Oven & Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Take your 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent your bread from sticking, making it easy to remove later. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix them together, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening and seasoning. Set this bowl of dry ingredients aside for a moment.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Now, grab your large mixing bowl. Add the ripe, brown bananas and mash them well with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and add lovely texture. Next, add the creamy peanut butter and the melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter to the mashed bananas. Stir these together until they are well combined. Then, stir in the packed light brown sugar, the room temperature large egg, and the pure vanilla extract. Continue stirring until all the wet ingredients are smoothly incorporated, creating a rich base for your peanut butter banana bread.
- Combine Batter: It’s time to bring everything together! Add the dry ingredients from your medium bowl into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. With your rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your peanut butter banana bread is ready. Oven times can vary significantly, so begin checking around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Cool & Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread set and prevents it from falling apart when you remove it. After 10 minutes, run a knife gently around the edges of the bread to loosen it, then carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to the wire rack. Let the bread cool on the rack until it’s only slightly warm. Slice it into generous pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade peanut butter banana bread!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve bakery-quality results with these helpful tips for your next loaf of delightful banana bread with peanut butter.
- Perfect Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots and even some blackish patches. They are much sweeter and easier to mash, contributing maximum flavor and moisture to your bread.
- Don’t Overmix: This is a golden rule for quick breads. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, rubbery loaf instead of a wonderfully tender one.
- Check for Doneness: Always use the toothpick test for accuracy. Insert a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Cool Properly: Resist the urge to slice into your warm banana peanut butter bread right away. Cooling in the pan for 10 minutes helps the bread set, making it easier to remove without crumbling. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Oven Variations: Every oven is different. Your bread might bake faster or slower than the suggested time. Keep an eye on it, especially during the last 15-20 minutes, and adjust baking time as needed.
- Browning Top: If you notice the top of your peanut butter banana bread is browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, gently tent the loaf with a piece of aluminum foil. This will protect the crust while allowing the interior to finish baking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile peanut butter banana bread is delicious on its own, but also welcomes creative twists. Here’s how to enjoy and keep it fresh.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
Enjoy a warm slice plain for breakfast, or elevate it with your favorite toppings. Spread on a little extra creamy peanut butter for an added boost of flavor, drizzle with honey for extra sweetness, or add a dollop of your favorite fruit jam for a fruity contrast. It’s also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage
Once completely cooled, store your loaf of peanut butter banana bread at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days on the counter. For optimal freshness and to prevent spoilage, understanding proper food storage techniques for baked goods is crucial.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! To freeze, ensure the loaf or individual slices are completely cooled. Wrap them tightly first in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place the well-wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and enjoying.
Add-ins
Feel free to customize your peanut butter banana bread with these tasty additions:
- Chocolate chips or chunks: A half cup of milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips adds a lovely melty surprise.
- Chopped nuts: Stir in half a cup of pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Swirl of Nutella or cream cheese: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of Nutella or softened cream cheese on top and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg: Add a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced note.
Muffins
You can easily adapt this recipe to make peanut butter banana muffins. Simply divide the batter into a greased 12-cup muffin tin. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy your homemade treats responsibly. This information provides estimated values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 227 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 31 g |
| Protein Content | 4 g |
| Fat Content | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 23 mg |
| Sodium Content | 247 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 16 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using an online calculator and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and serving size adjustments. This information is for general guidance only.
FAQ
Got questions about making the perfect loaf of banana bread with peanut butter? We’ve got answers!
- What kind of peanut butter is best for this recipe? Creamy, regular peanut butter is ideal for achieving the perfect texture and consistent flavor in your peanut butter banana bread. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and lead to a slightly different result.
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can definitely use frozen bananas! Thaw them completely at room temperature, then drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to the batter.
- How do I ripen bananas quickly for banana bread? If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can bake them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until their skins turn black. Alternatively, place them in a paper bag with an apple overnight to speed up the ripening process.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
- Can I add chocolate chips to this bread? Absolutely! Stir in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the batter during the final mixing step for a delightful addition.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like a slice of warm, homemade bread to bring comfort and joy to your day. This easy peanut butter banana bread recipe combines the irresistible sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter for a truly unforgettable treat. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect baking project for any skill level. We encourage you to try this recipe, share the deliciousness with loved ones, and savor every tender, flavorful bite. Let us know how your loaf turns out in the comments below!
Easy Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- nonstick cooking spray
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Large Bowl
- Fork
- Wire cooling rack
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup mashed brown bananas (you will need 3 large brown bananas)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork, then stir in the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven, cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.