Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Transform your overripe bananas into something extraordinary with this indulgent Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe. This moist, flavorful loaf combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the irresistible taste of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread takes traditional banana bread to the next level with rich peanut butter flavor and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups throughout. The combination of smooth peanut butter in the batter and chopped Reese’s cups creates layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. The Greek yogurt keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the perfect balance of sugars ensures a tender crumb. Whether you’re using up ripe bananas or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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 cups)
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups chopped Reese’s cups

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and smooth peanut butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add both sugars and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour. Set aside.
4. Add remaining wet ingredients: Fold the mashed bananas and Greek yogurt into the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to tough bread.
6. Add the Reese’s: Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, reserving a few pieces for the top if desired.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining Reese’s pieces on top if using. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

• Use very ripe bananas: The blacker the peels, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Ripe bananas mash easily and add natural sweetness.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense bread.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and Greek yogurt are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Chop Reese’s cups properly: Cut the peanut butter cups into chunks rather than small pieces. This ensures you get delicious pockets of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
• Test for doneness: Start checking at 60 minutes with a toothpick. The bread is done when the toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Difficulty: Easy

This recipe yields one standard 9×5-inch loaf that serves 10-12 people. The combination of peanut butter and Greek yogurt creates an incredibly moist texture, while the Reese’s peanut butter cups add bursts of chocolate and peanut butter flavor throughout each slice.

Notes

• If you don’t have self-rising flour, substitute with 3 cups all-purpose flour + 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder + 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
• Natural peanut butter can be substituted for smooth peanut butter, but may result in a slightly different texture.
• For extra decadence, drizzle cooled bread with melted chocolate or a simple peanut butter glaze.
• This recipe can be made as muffins instead of a loaf. Divide batter among 18 muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes.
• Freezing the Reese’s cups for 30 minutes before chopping makes them easier to cut cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A: Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture to the bread. The recipe remains the same.

Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe bananas with brown spots or completely brown peels work best. They’re sweeter and mash more easily.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative. Ensure your Reese’s cups are dairy-free if needed.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of dense banana bread. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or mini marshmallows work well. Keep total mix-ins to about 2 cups.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Storage Instructions

Store your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh day-old bread, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly.

The bread actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld together. If you notice the bread becoming dry after a few days, try wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds to restore moisture.

For gift-giving, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in decorative paper or place in a gift bag. The bread stays fresh this way for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.

The beauty of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread lies in its versatility. Serve it warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee, pack it for lunch box treats, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

So gather those ripe bananas, grab a jar of peanut butter, and treat yourself to a slice of this incredible bread. Your taste buds will thank you!