The luscious combination of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter in this bread creates an irresistible loaf that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. With its moist crumb, sweet aroma, and soft nutty crunch, this loaf is a hit for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving something cozy and homemade, this peanut butter banana bread will never let you down. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and sure to fill your kitchen with the kind of aroma that draws everyone in. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup packed brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well blended.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Fold in chopped peanuts if using.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
The Ultimate Comfort Bake: Peanut Butter Banana Bread
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the smell of banana bread wafting through your home. Add the nutty depth of peanut butter, and you’ve taken this classic to an entirely new level of cozy indulgence. Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than a recipe it’s an experience. It blends comfort food with nostalgic flavor and a soft, moist texture that keeps you coming back for just one more slice.
Whether you’re baking on a lazy Sunday morning or looking to use up those overripe bananas on the counter, this loaf is your answer. It’s an easy, no-fuss bake that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and leaves everyone smiling. But what makes this bread so special? Let’s explore.
Why Peanut Butter and Banana Just Work
The pairing of peanut butter and banana is a match made in flavor heaven. The creamy richness of peanut butter complements the sweet, mellow depth of ripe bananas. This combo has been a snack-time favorite for generations, often appearing together on toast or sandwiches. Translating that harmony into baked goods results in something even more magical.
Bananas naturally provide moisture and sweetness, making them ideal for soft, tender baked breads. Meanwhile, peanut butter contributes a subtle saltiness, creamy texture, and warm nutty notes that enhance the banana flavor without overpowering it. The final product is a loaf that’s rich, moist, and satisfying without being too heavy.
The Texture: Moist, Dense, and Perfectly Sliceable
One of the key selling points of any banana bread is the texture. The goal is always the same: something moist but not soggy, dense but not heavy. Peanut butter adds body and structure to the batter, giving it that crave worthy, almost cake-like consistency.
When done right, Peanut Butter Banana Bread holds its shape when sliced and has a soft, tender crumb. It’s the kind of loaf you can enjoy straight from the pan, slathered with extra peanut butter, a pat of butter, or just eaten as-is, warm from the oven.
Tips for Best Results
Even though this bread is relatively simple to make, there are a few tips that can help ensure bakery-quality results every time.
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Use very ripe bananas – The darker the better. Overripe bananas provide more sweetness, more moisture, and a deeper banana flavor.
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Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
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Room temperature ingredients – Eggs, sour cream, and peanut butter blend better at room temperature, which helps create a smoother batter.
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Let it rest before slicing – As tempting as it is to dig in right away, letting the bread cool helps the crumb set and makes slicing much easier.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the joys of baking quick bread is the creative freedom to add your personal twist. While the classic version is delightful on its own, here are some fun ways to customize your Peanut Butter Banana Bread:
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Chocolate chips – A handful of semisweet or dark chocolate chips takes this bread into dessert territory.
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Chopped nuts – Add texture with chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans.
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Swirl in more peanut butter – A ribbon of peanut butter through the center or on top before baking adds visual appeal and extra nutty goodness.
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Cinnamon or nutmeg – A pinch of warm spices can bring a seasonal or festive touch.
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Oats or flaxseed – Mix in a bit of ground flaxseed or rolled oats for a more wholesome, hearty loaf.
Each of these variations allows you to cater the bread to different tastes or make it feel fresh every time you bake it.
How to Serve
Peanut Butter Banana Bread is versatile and works beautifully in many scenarios:
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Breakfast – Toasted with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey, it’s a great way to start the day.
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Snack – A slice with coffee or tea is the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.
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Dessert – Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
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On the go – Wrapped up in parchment, it makes a great treat for picnics, lunchboxes, or road trips.
This bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, it’s a sweet, simple gesture perfect for welcoming a new neighbor or cheering up a friend.
Storage and Freshness Tips
One of the great things about banana bread is how well it keeps. Here are some tips to keep it fresh for as long as possible:
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Room temperature – Wrap it in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate – Extend its life to a week by keeping it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature or give it a quick toast before serving.
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Freeze – Peanut Butter Banana Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices.
To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven for a crisp edge and warm center.
A Note on Nutrition
While this bread is definitely indulgent, it also contains some wholesome elements. Bananas are a great source of potassium, and peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats. Using sour cream or Greek yogurt helps keep the loaf moist while adding a small dose of calcium and probiotics.
If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can experiment with replacing part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose. But remember sometimes the best comfort food is the real deal, made with love and enjoyed in moderation.
The Feel-Good Factor
There’s something incredibly therapeutic about baking banana bread. It’s a sensory experience: the mashing of bananas, the creamy swirl of peanut butter, the warm scent that fills the air as it bakes. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and share a slice of something homemade with people you love.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread isn’t just another quick bread it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and comfort all rolled into one golden-brown loaf.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey, this peanut butter banana bread offers the perfect balance of ease and wow factor. It requires minimal equipment, basic pantry staples, and rewards you with a loaf that’s as perfect for casual mornings as it is for special occasions.
It’s soft, flavorful, and so satisfying an all-star recipe you’ll come back to time and again. So the next time you see those speckled bananas on your countertop, don’t toss them bake this loaf and make your kitchen smell like home.