Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bread: Indulgent Twist

Introduction

Imagine the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and sweet, ripe bananas. This is the essence of Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread—a decadent twist on a beloved classic. Whether you're a fan of banana bread or just can't resist the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe promises to deliver a moist, flavorful, and indulgent loaf that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this banana bread is an all-occasion favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to forget.

Key Takeaways

• Flavor Profile: A delightful blend of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana.
• Texture: Moist, tender crumb with pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter.
• Versatility: Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
• Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for batch baking.

Photo bySam Miller

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted 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 cups)
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans with baking spray or butter and flour.

2. Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the smooth peanut butter and softened butter for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, then continue beating on medium-high speed for another 2 minutes until fully combined.

3. Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step helps the batter emulsify and ensures a smooth, consistent texture.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the self-rising flour, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the flour. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

5. Fold in the Bananas and Reese’s

Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups using a silicone spatula. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Divide the Batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

7. Bake

Bake the loaves for 35 minutes. Check for browning; if the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the loaves cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve as desired.

Photo bySam Miller

Side Dish Ideas

Pair your Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread with these complementary sides:

• Fresh fruit salad: The freshness of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the banana bread.
• Greek yogurt with honey: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweet bread.
• Coffee or hot tea: Perfect beverages to enjoy alongside this indulgent treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a slice of bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 1 loaf serving 12 slices)
• Calories: 267
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 76mg
• Sodium: 181mg
• Potassium: 322mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Vitamin A: 175IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 48mg
• Iron: 1mg

Please note that nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Cooling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Photo bySam Miller

Conclusion

Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a sweet treat—it's a symphony of flavors that come together to create a truly indulgent experience. This recipe takes the beloved banana bread to new heights with the addition of peanut butter and Reese’s cups, making it a surefire hit at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven, as a cozy breakfast, or sharing it with friends, this bread is guaranteed to impress. Bake a loaf (or two) today, and savor the delightful combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas in every bite.