Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the rich goodness of peanut butter and chocolate, then you’re in for a delightful surprise! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just any ordinary loaf; it’s a sweet indulgence that can brighten up your mornings or serve as a delicious dessert for family gatherings. Every bite is a perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chunks of Reese’s cups that make it truly special.

This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it’s incredibly easy to whip up, and it fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend brunch, this bread is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious loaf in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the combination of flavors.
• Make-ahead option: Bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Versatile serving options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack.
• Irresistible flavor: The blend of peanut butter and chocolate with bananas is simply magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. You might already have some of these staples in your pantry!

For the Base

• 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

For the Bread

• 3 cups self rising flour
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 small ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups chopped Reese’s cups

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth.
• Use different chocolates: Swap out Reese’s cups for your favorite chocolate candies.
• Make it healthier: Substitute half the sugar with applesauce for a lighter version.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is essential because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans

Spray the bottom and sides of two non-stick metal loaf pans with baking spray or grease them with butter and flour. This will help your bread come out perfectly without sticking.

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla for about two minutes until fluffy. This creates a light base that will give your bread its wonderful texture.

Step 4: Add Sugars

Next, add both granulated and brown sugars. Beat on medium-high speed for another two minutes until fully combined. The sugars will help create that lovely sweetness we crave!

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase the mixer speed and beat until light beige in color—this helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffiness.

Step 6: Mix Flour and Yogurt

Lower the mixer speed again and gradually add flour alternately with Greek yogurt, starting and ending with flour. This method ensures everything blends smoothly without overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s

Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand until fully incorporated. This step adds bursts of flavor throughout each slice!

Step 8: Divide Batter

Use a measuring cup to divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 35 minutes, then check for browning. If needed, lay foil on top to prevent overbrowning. Continue baking another 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean.

Step 10: Cool Your Bread

Cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before removing them from pans onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows flavors to set beautifully.

Enjoy baking this delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! It’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re perfect for mashing into your batter.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in the final loaf.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour and yogurt, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of light and fluffy loaves.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for easier cutting.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This delicious banana bread can be enjoyed in various ways that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Here are some fun serving ideas to enhance your experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the top elevates the dessert aspect of this bread.
• Fresh Berries: Serve slices alongside fresh berries to add a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the rich sweetness of the bread.

Side Dishes

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the banana bread.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of your banana bread.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve warm slices topped with vanilla or chocolate ice cream; it’s simply heavenly!

Enjoy every bite of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, whether savoring it alone or sharing it with loved ones!

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 those busy mornings or sweet cravings. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it in the same container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• To reheat, slice off a piece and microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can definitely use crunchy peanut butter! It will add delightful texture to your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

How can I make this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread healthier?

You can substitute half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or use a sugar alternative. Additionally, consider using whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour for added fiber.

What should I do if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?

If your bananas aren’t very ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature. This will help them become sweeter and easier to mash!

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips along with the Reese’s cups to customize your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread even further.

How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached (not wet batter), your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread as much as I do! It’s a wonderful combination of sweet bananas and creamy peanut butter with that irresistible chocolatey crunch from the Reese’s cups. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe is bound to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience!