Peanut Butter "N" Banana Bread
This peanut butter banana bread combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, enhanced by chocolate pieces. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it appeals to those who love moist, flavorful loaves with a hint of cinnamon and crunchy toppings for added texture.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 6 ounces milk chocolate pieces ⓘ
- 1 recipe peanut butter frosting ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, milk, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, and egg.
- Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate pieces.
- Pour the batter into two greased 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pans.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 50-55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool thoroughly.
- Wrap and store overnight before serving.
- Frost with peanut butter frosting before serving.
- Optional: top with crushed peanuts and miniature semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider increasing the sugar slightly or using ripe bananas. You can substitute smooth peanut butter for chunky if desired, or use almond butter for a different flavor. Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can enhance texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Pairing it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee creates a perfect snack or breakfast option. It also pairs beautifully with Favorite Pudding Dessert for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Butter 'N' Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast slices for a crispy exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter "N" Banana Bread contains roughly 595 calories, with 7g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1216mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure the correct moisture balance in your bread.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk alternative. Ensure your peanut butter and chocolate pieces are dairy-free as well.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the peanut butter frosting, try using unsweetened cocoa powder in place of some of the sugar or add a pinch of salt. Alternatively, use less sugar overall and incorporate a bit of cream cheese for a tangy balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).