Reese's Peanut Banana Bread

This decadent Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread transforms ordinary banana bread into an irresistible treat by combining two classic flavors. The rich peanut butter complements the sweet bananas perfectly, while Reese's candy pieces add pockets of chocolate-peanut butter goodness throughout each slice.

I first created this recipe when my children begged for both banana bread and peanut butter cups in the same day. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested for every school bake sale and family gathering.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without being too heavy
• Baking soda: Ensures the bread rises properly despite the dense ingredients
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor
• Ripe bananas: With brown spots offer the most flavor and natural sweetness
• Creamy peanut butter: Creates a smooth texture throughout the bread
• Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture that oil simply cannot match
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create a slightly crisp top crust
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors in subtle but important ways
• Reese's Pieces or mini cups: Add bursts of candy shop flavor in every bite
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of chocolate throughout the loaf

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your loaf pan. I recommend using butter followed by a light dusting of flour to ensure nothing sticks. A 9x5-inch pan works best but an 8x4-inch will work for a taller loaf.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until fully combined. This step distributes the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter for consistent rise.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining for texture. Add the peanut butter, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture becomes cohesive and smooth, about 2 minutes of stirring by hand.

Create The Batter:

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing will develop gluten and create a tough bread.

Add Mix-ins:

Gently fold in the Reese's pieces or chopped mini cups and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top if desired for visual appeal.

Bake To Perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Cool Properly:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread set while still warm enough to release easily. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

I particularly love using natural peanut butter in this recipe for its intense peanut flavor. My grandmother always added a tablespoon of honey to her banana bread, and I sometimes include this secret ingredient to honor her memory while adding subtle floral notes.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preference and pantry. You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added nutrition. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to ½ cup and use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.

Storage Tips

This banana bread maintains its moisture better than most baked goods. Store it at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the completely cooled bread and place parchment paper between each slice before freezing. This allows you to thaw individual portions as needed.

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Serving Suggestions

Transform this bread from a simple snack to an impressive dessert by warming a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast, toast a slice lightly and spread with a thin layer of additional peanut butter or cream cheese. When serving to guests, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with banana slices for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer additional texture in the bread. It will add a slight crunch to each bite.

→ How do I store this banana bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute the Reese's candy with other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other candy pieces if desired. Be sure to maintain the same quantity for optimal results.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to keep it moist.

→ Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain proper texture.