Sure! Here’s a rich, indulgent, and delightfully detailed Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe. It comes with an intro, a little history, full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, fun facts, and even a note for peanut butter lovers.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread: A Decadent Delight
Introduction:
Banana bread is one of those heartwarming, nostalgic bakes that has comforted generations. It’s soft, moist, and naturally sweet—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. But what happens when you fuse it with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter and the iconic, chocolatey goodness of Reese’s?
You get Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread: a masterpiece that’s as rich in flavor as it is in love.
This bread is everything you could want: the ripe banana’s mellow sweetness, the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter, buttery richness, and a surprise crunch and burst of chocolate from the chopped Reese’s cups. It’s dessert meets breakfast. It’s comfort meets celebration.
History and Inspiration:
Banana bread first gained massive popularity in the 1930s, thanks to the Great Depression—home cooks were finding ways to use overripe bananas instead of throwing them away. It became a staple of American baking. Peanut butter, introduced commercially in the late 1800s, rose to fame as a protein-packed pantry favorite.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were invented by H.B. Reese in 1928 and have since become one of the most beloved candies in the world. This recipe is an ode to that trifecta: ripe bananas, peanut butter, and the magical Reese’s.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Add-ins:
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (reserve some for topping)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but delicious)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently—just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix!
Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff
Fold in chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips if using. Save a few Reese’s pieces to sprinkle on top for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved Reese’s on top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, or cool completely for cleaner slices.
Formation and Texture:
This banana bread is ultra-moist thanks to the bananas and butter. The peanut butter adds a dense richness, while the Reese’s give gooey pockets of chocolate and peanut butter explosion. The top gets a little crunchy, especially with the chopped Reese’s melting into it. Each slice is thick, flavorful, and bursting with variety in every bite.
For Peanut Butter Lovers:
If you’re a hardcore peanut butter lover, you can:
- Swirl extra peanut butter into the top before baking.
- Use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
- Make a peanut butter glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tbsp peanut butter + splash of milk) to drizzle on top once cooled.
Conclusion: A Loaf Full of Love
This isn’t just banana bread—it’s a love letter to indulgence. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, chocolate lovers, banana lovers, or just life lovers. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a friend, or bringing it to brunch, this loaf says “I care” in the most delicious way possible.
With Love, for the Lovers
For everyone who’s ever eaten peanut butter out of the jar with a spoon, or saved their Reese’s to eat last—this recipe is yours. It’s warm, sweet, nutty, nostalgic, and joyful. Bake it with love. Share it with more love.
Want a version with Nutella or Biscoff next? Just say the word.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or want this adapted for muffins, cake, or gluten-free!