Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your countertop, you’ve landed in the right place! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not just any banana bread; it’s a rich, flavorful treat that everyone will love. Imagine the warmth of freshly baked bread combined with the creamy goodness of peanut butter and the irresistible crunch of Reese’s cups. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a sweet addition to family gatherings.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my house. It’s so easy to make and brings smiles all around. Plus, who can resist that heavenly peanut butter aroma wafting through the kitchen? Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is sure to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will gobble it up! It’s a great way to get your family excited about bananas.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This bread freezes well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or last-minute treats.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolatey Reese’s cups creates an indulgent taste that you won’t forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you likely have in your pantry. With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to baking delicious banana 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use Different Mix-ins: Swap out the Reese’s cups for chocolate chips or dried fruit if you’re craving something different.
• Make it Chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist on this classic recipe.
• Top with Frosting: Drizzle some melted chocolate or peanut butter frosting on top once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This step is essential because starting with a hot oven ensures even baking and helps achieve that lovely golden crust we all adore.

Step 2: Prepare the Pans

Spray the bottom and sides of two non-stick metal loaf pans with baking spray or lightly coat them with butter and flour. This will prevent sticking and make removing your beautiful loaves a breeze!

Step 3: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract for about two minutes until fluffy. This step adds air into the mixture, resulting in light and tender bread.

Step 4: Add Sugars

Next, add both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for another two minutes until fully combined. The sugars contribute sweetness and moisture—key elements for delicious banana bread!

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Now it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase the mixer speed and beat for about 30 seconds until light beige in color. Be sure to scrape down the sides periodically; this ensures everything is mixed evenly.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed again and gradually add self-rising flour alternately with Greek yogurt. Begin and end with flour; this method helps keep your batter from becoming too dense—lightness is key!

Step 7: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

With love and care, fold in your mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand until everything is just incorporated. This step brings together all those delightful flavors we’re excited about!

Step 8: Divide Batter

Using a measuring cup, divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Spreading it out evenly ensures both loaves bake uniformly.

Step 9: Bake Away!

Place your pans in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes before checking for browning; if needed, lay foil on top to prevent over-browning. Then continue baking another 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; letting it cool allows those flavors to settle beautifully!

And there you have it—your very own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread! Enjoy each slice knowing you created something truly special!

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can make your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread even more scrumptious!

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

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf, while gentle mixing keeps it light and fluffy.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bread 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before cutting. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming mushy.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Serving your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is all about making it special! Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, here are some ideas to elevate your dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top of your bread for extra crunch and a lovely presentation.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Warm up a little peanut butter in the microwave and drizzle it over the sliced bread for an indulgent touch.
• Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips on top adds a delightful burst of richness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a bright contrast to the rich banana bread and balances out the sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with any slice of banana bread.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting drink choice that enhances your snacking experience.
• Milkshake: For an indulgent treat, consider serving this bread with a chocolate or vanilla milkshake—it’s like dessert squared!

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’ll create not just delicious slices of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread but also memorable moments around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the banana bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly until heated through.
• Enjoy your warm banana bread with a spread of peanut butter if you like!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I use chunky peanut butter in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter! It will add extra texture to your banana bread and enhance the peanut flavor even more.

How do I store Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread properly?

To store Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Can I customize the mix-ins in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! While Reese’s cups add a fantastic chocolate-peanut butter combination, feel free to swap them out with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit based on your preference.

How long does it take to bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Baking this banana bread typically takes about 50-55 minutes, but always check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread as much as I did! It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack during the day. The combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas is simply irresistible. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!