Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Two perennial favorites combine to create this moist, tender Peanut Butter Banana Bread. It’s easy to make and impossible to resist! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy peanut butter adds richness while the ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this bread is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of peanut butter and bananas creates a deliciously unique taste that stands out.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the mashed bananas and creamy peanut butter, this bread remains soft and moist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather your essential tools beforehand. These tools will help you create the best Peanut Butter Banana Bread possible.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Loaf pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is mixed evenly and achieves the right fluffy consistency.
• Loaf pan: A good quality loaf pan helps in even cooking, giving you that perfect shape and texture.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups mashed banana (about 3 or 4 medium overripe bananas)

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 to 2/3 cups chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or peanuts)

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan. If you prefer easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper before greasing.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
* All-purpose flour
* Ground cinnamon
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on medium speed:
1. Beat the softened butter with brown sugar and peanut butter until fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Reduce your mixer speed to low:
1. Gradually add the flour mixture in three portions.
2. Alternate with two portions of sour cream until just combined.

Step 5: Add Bananas and Nuts

Stir in the mashed bananas gently using a spatula. If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the batter now.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it from the pan onto the wire rack to cool completely.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Sliced bananas or berries add a fresh touch and complement the flavors of the bread beautifully.

Spread with Nut Butter

• A layer of almond or cashew butter enhances the nuttiness and provides an extra dose of creaminess.

Serve Warm with Honey

• Drizzling honey over warm slices creates a sweet contrast and makes for a comforting snack.

Top with Yogurt

• Serving a slice with a dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and can make for a satisfying breakfast.

Create a Dessert Sandwich

• Use two slices of peanut butter banana bread to make a sandwich filled with your favorite jams or jellies.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• The rich flavors of peanut butter banana bread pair perfectly with a warm cup, making it an ideal snack any time of day.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Perfecting peanut butter banana bread involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be, resulting in moist bread.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread light and prevent it from becoming dense.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool on a wire rack helps maintain its structure and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter banana bread pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt: This creamy accompaniment offers protein and tanginess that complements the bread.
3. Cottage Cheese: A scoop can provide extra texture and protein, making it more filling.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: Light yet nutritious, this dish adds an interesting texture contrast.
5. Granola: A crunchy topping pairs well with soft banana bread for added texture and flavor.
6. Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides healthy fats and crunch that works well alongside the softness of the bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking peanut butter banana bread can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using unripe bananas – Unripe bananas do not provide the sweetness and moisture needed for a good banana bread. Make sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your bread. Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
• Skipping the mixing steps – Properly mixing the batter helps incorporate air, making your bread lighter. Follow the mixing instructions closely for the best texture.
• Opening the oven too soon – Every time you open the oven door, heat escapes, which can affect baking time and rise. Wait until near the end of the baking time to check on your bread.
• Not cooling properly – Cooling your bread in the pan for too long can lead to sogginess. Follow cooling instructions to keep it perfectly tender.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store peanut butter banana bread in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Wrap slices or whole loaves in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Frozen banana bread can last up to three months.

Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap slices in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Heat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about peanut butter banana bread:

What can I substitute for eggs in Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as great egg substitutes that still provide moisture and binding.

How ripe should my bananas be for Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or fully brown skins; they should be soft and sweet.

Can I add chocolate chips to Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with peanut butter and banana flavors. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

What other nuts can I use in Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts if you want extra crunch!

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines flavors everyone loves. Its moist texture makes it perfect as a snack or breakfast option. Plus, you can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Peanut Butter Banana Bread

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: About 10 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors found in this Peanut Butter Banana Bread. This moist and tender loaf effortlessly blends the richness of creamy peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, resulting in a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With its quick preparation time and customizable options, you’ll find it hard to resist whipping up this easy banana bread recipe. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite toppings, this bread is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups mashed banana (about 3 or 4 medium overripe bananas)
• 1/2 to 2/3 cups chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or peanuts)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients with alternating portions of sour cream until well combined.
5. Fold in mashed bananas gently. If desired, add chopped nuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cooling on a wire rack before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg