Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a sweet, moist treat that brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It has a soft, tender crumb with just the right hint of peanut butter flavor that makes every bite comforting and satisfying. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
I love how easy this bread is to make and how it fills the kitchen with the warm smell of peanut butter and bananas baking together. One of my favorite tips is to use very ripe bananas because they add so much natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread extra soft. Sometimes, I like to add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a little surprise crunch.
When I serve this bread, I usually slice it thick and spread a little extra peanut butter on top—it’s such a simple way to make it feel even more special. It’s one of those recipes that friends and family always ask me to bring over because it’s familiar but with a fun twist. I find that it’s great for using up bananas that are past their prime and turning them into a delicious, shareable treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They are sweeter and mash easily, making the bread moist and flavorful. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work, but expect a different texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly, but chunky works too if you like bits of peanuts in the bread. For a different nutty twist, try almond or cashew butter instead.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a mild caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, white sugar or coconut sugar are fine substitutions, but the taste will be slightly different.
Chocolate Chips: Adding mini chocolate chips brings extra sweetness and texture. You can swap these for nuts like walnuts or pecans, or leave them out completely if preferred.
How Do I Get the Perfect Moist and Tender Bread?
To make this bread moist and tender, use these simple tips:
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour. Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Make sure your bananas are ripe – they add natural moisture and sweetness.
- Use melted butter for richness, but avoid adding too much extra liquid.
- Bake it fully but don’t overbake. A toothpick should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries it out.
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes so it firms up, then cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I like this size because it’s perfect for a tall, evenly baked bread.
- Mixing bowls – for mashing bananas and mixing ingredients easily.
- Fork or potato masher – helps mash bananas smoothly for that soft crumb.
- Spatula – for stirring and scraping batter into the pan.
- Baking sheet (optional) – to catch any drips if extra batter overflows.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch and flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, cozy spices.
- Mix in shredded coconut for tropical flair and extra texture.
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a thicker, more textured bread.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (plus extra for drizzle if desired)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the peanut butter, melted butter, and brown sugar, stirring well until everything is combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract for a smooth mixture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the mixture, folding them gently in. Next, add the flour and stir just until everything is combined—not more, or your bread might become dense. If you like, fold in the chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
4. Bake Your Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, drizzle some extra peanut butter on top before serving to make it even richer and yummier.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps keep your bread from becoming too wet.
Can I Substitute Nut Butters?
Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter work well and create a slightly different flavor. Just use the same amount as the peanut butter called for.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor. Fold them in gently before baking.