Few things satisfy quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. Now imagine that same classic loaf taken to the next level—with the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread delivers that perfect fusion of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite. It’s soft, moist, indulgent, and bursting with bits of chocolatey Reese’s pieces or peanut butter cups for a bakery-style twist you can make right at home.
Whether you’re a banana bread enthusiast or simply craving something sweet, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack, it’s a loaf that brings nostalgia and comfort together in one slice.
Ingredients
To make one rich and flavorful loaf of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- ¾ cup (130g) chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Reese’s Pieces
- ½ cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ cup (30g) chopped peanuts for extra crunch
These ingredients work together to create a dense yet tender crumb that’s perfectly balanced between sweet banana flavor and nutty peanut butter richness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This helps the leavening agents distribute evenly so your bread rises consistently.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth but slightly chunky. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and creamy. The peanut butter should blend smoothly into the mixture, creating a thick, luscious base.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two parts, folding gently with a spatula. Stir only until no dry streaks remain—overmixing can make the bread dense.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate and Reese’s Pieces
Fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. You can also save a small handful to sprinkle on top for a decorative, melty finish.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and sprinkle with any remaining Reese’s or peanuts for extra crunch. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the final 15 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely—this helps the loaf set and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
Once cooled, slice thick pieces and admire the gooey chocolate pockets and rich peanut butter swirls throughout the loaf.
Conservation and Storage
To keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread fresh and flavorful:
- At Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays soft for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days, but let it reach room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- In the Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap each piece in parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or toast lightly for a warm, fresh-baked feel.
Tip: Avoid refrigerating uncovered—the bread will dry out faster.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun twists to try:
1. Double Chocolate Version
Replace ¼ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor, and use dark chocolate chips for a more decadent loaf.
2. Swirled Peanut Butter Bread
Before baking, drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted peanut butter over the batter and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
3. Healthy Alternative
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, replace butter with coconut oil, and use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure your Reese’s candies are gluten-free, too.
5. Mini Loaves or Muffins
Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake muffins for 18–22 minutes or mini loaves for 25–30 minutes—perfect for portion control or gift-giving.
Each variation keeps the irresistible flavor combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate but adds its own unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This indulgent bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch with creative serving ideas:
- Breakfast Treat: Toast a slice and spread with a little butter or extra peanut butter for a warm, melty morning bite.
- Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with melted chocolate for a dessert-worthy presentation.
- Snack: Pair with a glass of milk, iced coffee, or a peanut butter banana smoothie for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
- Party Favorite: Cut into small squares and serve on a platter for brunches or potlucks—guests won’t be able to resist.
Because of its balanced sweetness and richness, this bread fits almost any occasion—from cozy mornings to festive gatherings.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. Overripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much, which can dry out the loaf.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir only until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread dense.
- Check for Doneness Early: Every oven varies—start testing at the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Completely: Warm banana bread may crumble when sliced. Cooling enhances structure and flavor.
- Balance the Sweetness: If your bananas are very ripe, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
These simple but crucial details guarantee a moist, tender loaf every time.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread isn’t just a dessert—it’s a feel-good comfort food that blends nostalgia and indulgence in one irresistible loaf. The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced treat that delights kids and adults alike.
Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious, this bread proves that homemade baking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a late-night snack, every bite offers that warm, familiar flavor of home—enhanced by a playful Reese’s twist.
So, grab those ripe bananas and a jar of peanut butter—it’s time to bake a loaf that’s bound to become your new favorite indulgence.
PrintReese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Bake for Chocolate Lovers
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines the cozy comfort of homemade banana bread with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Each slice is soft, rich, and loaded with Reese’s peanut butter cups or pieces, making it the ultimate indulgent loaf for breakfast, dessert, or snacking. Easy to bake and endlessly satisfying, this recipe brings bakery-level decadence right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas (about 1 ¼ cups mashed)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings:
¾ cup (130g) chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Reese’s Pieces
½ cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: ¼ cup (30g) chopped peanuts for extra crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth but slightly chunky. The more overripe the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Add Chocolate & Reese’s Pieces
Fold in the Reese’s pieces and chocolate chips evenly. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top for a melty, decorative finish.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top, sprinkle the reserved toppings, and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf light and tender.
If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice, based on 10 slices
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Reese’s Banana Bread, Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bread, Reese’s Bread Recipe, Banana Peanut Butter Loaf