Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
This Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe uses ripe bananas, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla for a tender loaf everyone will love.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Rubber spatula
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Loaf pan (9x5 inch)
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Extra peanut butter for swirling on top
Instructions
Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This is when the kitchen starts to feel alive—oven humming, anticipation building.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Those little bits melt into the loaf, giving pockets of banana sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Richness
- Stir the peanut butter and melted butter into the bananas. The mixture should look glossy and thick, and you’ll immediately smell that nutty aroma blooming.
Step 4: Sweeten and Smooth
- Whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until the batter looks silky and cohesive.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even rise and balanced flavor.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks—overmixing is the enemy of tender banana bread.
Step 7: Customize the Loaf
- Fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or peanuts. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and, if you like, swirl a little extra peanut butter on top.
Step 8: Bake and Breathe It In
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.
Step 9: Cool (If You Can)
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. This is the hardest part—waiting—but it helps the flavors settle.