Save Peanut butter banana bread brings together the sweet richness of ripe bananas and the creamy, salty goodness of peanut butter in a simple loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday treat. Whenever my bananas get spotty, I know it is time for this cozy recipe. It fills the house with such a nostalgic aroma that my family always hovers near the oven waiting for that first warm, melty slice.
The first time I baked this was during a busy week. It became our late night snack and an instant hit. Now I make it whenever family comes to visit because it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: give sweetness and moisture and the more speckled the better for deep flavor
- Creamy peanut butter: is smooth and savory so it balances the sweetness
- Unsalted butter: makes the crumb tender and carries all the flavors
- Light brown sugar: adds caramel notes and keeps things moist
- Eggs: help everything bind together for a tender loaf and room temperature eggs blend in best
- Vanilla extract: enhances warmth and depth
- All purpose flour: keeps the crumb soft and fluffy so look for a fresh bag with no off smells
- Baking soda and baking powder: help the bread rise tall and light
- Salt: brings out all the flavors without making the loaf taste salty
- Cinnamon: gives a background warmth for extra coziness
- Optional chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate chips: give crunch or add a sweet twist
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat fully. Grab a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan. Grease it with a bit of butter or oil and line the bottom and long sides with a strip of parchment so you can lift the bread out easily after baking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl mash your bananas until mostly smooth with some small lumps for texture. Whisk in the peanut butter melted and cooled butter brown sugar eggs and vanilla. Whisk patiently until the mixture is smooth creamy and glossy. This ensures every bite tastes even and rich.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk the flour baking soda baking powder salt and cinnamon until everything is distributed. This avoids pockets of bitter leaveners or spice.
- Blend Wet and Dry:
- Pour the dry mix into the wet. Use a spatula to gently fold and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix or the bread will be dense instead of soft.
- Fold in Add Ins:
- If you are using roasted peanuts or chocolate chips scatter them over the batter and fold a few more times to distribute evenly.
- Fill the Pan:
- Scrape the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with the spatula for a tidy loaf that bakes evenly.
- Bake:
- Place the pan on the center rack and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. When you insert a toothpick or skewer into the center it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Slice:
- Leave the bread in its pan on a rack for 10 minutes so it sets up. Then use the overhanging parchment to lift it out and cool fully on the rack before slicing. This keeps the slices from crumbling apart.
Save This loaf reminds me most of weekend mornings growing up. My favorite part is swirling extra peanut butter right onto a warm slice so it melts in. Even my pickiest sibling will never turn down a slice of this bread.
Storage Tips
Peanut butter banana bread is best wrapped tightly in plastic or foil and kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Always slice only what you need so the inside stays soft. You can rewarm a slice gently in the toaster or microwave for that fresh baked feel.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily make this dairy free by swapping the butter for coconut oil or vegan baking margarine. If you prefer extra crunch feel free to use chunky peanut butter in place of creamy. If you are out of brown sugar use white sugar mixed with a small spoonful of molasses if you have it. For even more richness try swirling a little tahini or almond butter with the peanut butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices plain or with a smear of extra peanut butter. For dessert a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar is lovely. You can also toast thick slices and top with sliced bananas or berries for a special breakfast. Kids always love it with mini chocolate chips scattered on top before baking.
Cultural Connections
Banana bread first became popular during the Great Depression as a way to avoid wasting overripe fruit. Adding peanut butter is a distinctly American twist and showcases the country’s love for this spread. Over the years I have made countless versions and this one really captures that comforting homemade taste with just a hint of peanut nostalgia.
Seasonal Adaptations
Sprinkle a few chopped roasted peanuts on top before baking for a rustic look. Swirl in a spoonful of strawberry jam for peanut butter and jelly flavor. In cooler months double the cinnamon or experiment with chai or pumpkin spice.
Success Stories
Almost every friend who tries this ends up texting for the recipe. It is a regular star at bake sales and has turned many banana bread skeptics into fans. A neighbor once swapped in almond butter and reported back that it worked beautifully. Even my toddler eats two slices at a time.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Allow your loaf to cool completely. Then wrap whole or by the slice in a double layer of plastic and foil. It keeps well in the freezer for two months. Defrost wrapped at room temperature or gently warm individual slices in the toaster. This makes it easy to stock up when bananas start overripening at once.
Save This recipe is incredibly forgiving and always turns out delicious. Enjoy this comforting classic with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and nutty flavor to the loaf.
- → How do I know when it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- → What add-ins work well?
Chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate chips give extra crunch or sweetness to each slice.
- → Can I freeze leftover slices?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.