Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. The addition of creamy peanut butter enhances the banana flavor, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This simple and easy recipe results in a delicious, fragrant bread that combines the best of two beloved ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread, or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or in a toaster for a warm, comforting treat.
10 FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work just as well, adding texture to the bread.
- Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
- Can I substitute whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes, almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- How can I make the bread sweeter? You can add more sugar or substitute it with brown sugar or honey for a richer sweetness.
- Can I add other fruits to the bread? Yes, you can mix in berries like blueberries or chopped apples for added flavor.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can cut the sugar in half or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
- How do I know when the bread is done? The bread is done when a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center, and the top is golden brown.
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two loaf pans, or use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an easy and delicious way to use up ripe bananas. The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a moist, flavorful loaf that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a great addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some fun variations, you’re sure to enjoy this comforting treat!