Get ready to transform those ripe bananas into something truly extraordinary with this peanut butter banana bread recipe! This delightful loaf brings together the classic sweetness of banana with the creamy, rich flavor of peanut butter. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for using up those spotty bananas on your counter. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, delivering a moist, tender crumb every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Bread
This recipe isn’t just another banana bread; it’s a game-changer for busy bakers and beginners alike. We designed it for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Quick and easy to bake. You can have this delicious batter mixed and in the oven in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for impromptu baking sessions.
- Uses common pantry ingredients. No need for a special grocery trip; you likely have everything you need on hand for this fantastic peanut butter banana bread.
- Rich, comforting peanut butter flavor. The creamy peanut butter adds a wonderful depth and nutty aroma that complements the sweet banana perfectly.
- Moist and tender crumb every time. Thanks to the ripe bananas and brown sugar, this loaf stays incredibly moist and soft, ensuring delightful bites.
- Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a simple, satisfying dessert.
- Great way to use overripe bananas. Don’t toss those brown bananas! They are the secret ingredient to the best flavor and natural sweetness in your loaf.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing peanut butter banana bread requires just a few basic ingredients. You likely have most of these staples already waiting in your kitchen. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup mashed brown bananas (you will need 3 large brown bananas)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Notes & Substitutions
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Bananas: The browner and spottier your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. This also contributes significantly to the moisture. For a deeper understanding of why highly speckled bananas are ideal for baking, explore the science of banana ripeness.
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Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter yields a smoother, more uniform texture. If you prefer extra crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter instead.
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Butter: Always use unsalted butter when baking, as it allows you to control the salt content precisely. Ensure it’s melted and slightly cooled before adding it to your wet ingredients.
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Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note and helps keep the peanut butter banana bread incredibly moist and tender.
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Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum.
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Add-ins: Enhance your bread by folding in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy gadgets to make this delightful peanut butter banana bread. Just a few standard kitchen tools will get the job done efficiently. Gather these items before you begin to ensure a smooth baking process.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (one medium and one large)
- Whisk
- Fork or potato masher
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to bake your perfect peanut butter banana bread. Remember, baking should be a fun and stress-free experience, and this recipe delivers on simplicity.
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Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will help your finished loaf release easily. Set the prepared pan aside, ready for the batter.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, measure out the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Whisking ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in your homemade peanut butter banana loaf. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Grab a large mixing bowl and add your very ripe bananas. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them until they are mostly smooth, with a few small lumps perfectly acceptable for texture. Next, add the creamy peanut butter and the melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter to the mashed bananas. Stir these together until they are well combined. Then, incorporate the packed light brown sugar, the room temperature large egg, and the pure vanilla extract. Continue stirring until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture appears smooth and creamy.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Now, gently add the whisked dry ingredients from your medium bowl into the large bowl containing the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, carefully stir the mixture until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. This is a crucial step for tender bread; avoid the temptation to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough and chewy bread instead of a light and moist one. For more on this baking principle, learn about gluten development and overmixing in batters. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
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Bake the Bread: Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Place the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-65 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so begin checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. To confirm it’s baked through, insert a toothpick into the very center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your amazing peanut butter banana bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
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Cool & Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the loaf set and firm up before removal. After 10 minutes, run a knife gently around the edges of the bread to loosen it from the pan. Then, carefully invert the pan to remove the loaf, transferring it directly to the wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool on the rack until it is slightly warm or at room temperature. Cooling completely helps prevent a gummy texture when slicing. Once cooled, slice your delicious creation and serve!
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Achieving the perfect loaf of peanut butter banana bread is easy with these simple tips. They’ll ensure your bread is moist, flavorful, and incredibly tender every single time.
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Don’t underestimate the power of very ripe, brown-spotted bananas. They provide natural sweetness and essential moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dense loaf.
- Room Temperature Egg: A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the other wet ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from falling apart and ensures a good texture.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is your best friend. A clean toothpick means your bread is perfectly baked, preventing an undercooked or dry result.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile peanut butter banana bread is delightful in many ways, whether you enjoy it fresh or save some for later. Here are some ideas for serving, proper storage, and exciting variations.
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Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your warm homemade peanut butter banana bread simply sliced. For an extra treat, spread on a little more peanut butter, a drizzle of honey, a dollop of your favorite jam, or even a swirl of chocolate spread. It’s also wonderful lightly toasted.
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Storage: To maintain its freshness, store the cooled bread at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help preserve its delicious moisture.
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Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and enjoying.
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Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in about ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) with the dry ingredients.
- Nutty: For an added crunch and flavor, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Muffins: Transform this recipe into delicious muffins by dividing the batter into a greased 12-cup muffin tin. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Other Nut Butters: Experiment with almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying a slice of this delicious peanut butter banana bread is a treat that also offers some nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown based on an estimated serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1/12 loaf |
| Calories | 227 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg |
| Sodium | 247 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making the ultimate peanut butter banana bread. We want to make sure your baking experience is as smooth as possible.
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What kind of peanut butter works best? Creamy peanut butter is generally recommended for a smooth texture that blends seamlessly into the batter. However, crunchy peanut butter adds a nice textural element if you prefer.
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Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you certainly can use frozen bananas. Just be sure to thaw them completely first and drain off any excess liquid before mashing them for the recipe.
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How do I know when my banana bread is done? The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter attached, your bread is perfectly baked.
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Can I make this recipe into muffins? Absolutely! Divide the batter evenly into a greased 12-cup muffin tin. Reduce the baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
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Why is my banana bread dry? A dry loaf is usually the result of either overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten, or overbaking the bread in the oven. Always aim to mix just until combined and follow the toothpick test for doneness.
Conclusion
This peanut butter banana bread truly is an ultimate recipe, bringing together incredible flavor with effortless preparation. It’s the perfect way to transform ripe bananas into a moist, tender, and utterly comforting treat that everyone will adore. We hope this beginner-friendly guide inspires you to bake this delightful loaf in your own kitchen. Go ahead, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking. Share this incredible recipe with loved ones and savor every single slice!