Reese's peanut butter banana bread is a rich, moist twist on classic banana bread that combines sweet ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and chunks of Reese’s candy for the ultimate dessert-meets-breakfast treat. Whether I’m baking it for a snack, a brunch table, or just because I’ve got extra bananas to use up, this bread always hits the sweet spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together all the flavors I crave—chocolate, peanut butter, and banana—in one soft, gooey, sliceable loaf. It’s easy to make in one bowl, perfect for using up overripe bananas, and the Reese’s candy pieces add an irresistible burst of chocolatey peanut butter in every bite. Plus, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (chopped)
- Optional: chocolate chips, chopped peanuts for topping
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, I mash the ripe bananas, then mix in the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- I stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined—being careful not to overmix.
- I fold in most of the chopped Reese’s, reserving a few pieces for the top.
- I pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining Reese’s and optional chocolate chips or peanuts on top.
- I bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are okay).
- I let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices). It takes 15 minutes to prep and 55–65 minutes to bake. I usually give it at least 30 minutes to cool before slicing to get clean, neat pieces.
Variations
- I sometimes swirl extra peanut butter into the top of the batter before baking.
- For extra crunch, I fold in chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Mini Reese’s Pieces make a fun and colorful topping.
- I’ve also made this into muffins—bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds. It also freezes well—I wrap individual slices and thaw them overnight or warm them up in the toaster oven.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, I’ve used natural peanut butter—just make sure it’s well stirred and not too oily or dry.
Can I use Reese’s Pieces instead of cups?
Definitely. They melt a little less, so I usually mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! I swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and it works beautifully.
Do I need to use both brown and white sugar?
Using both adds moisture and depth, but if I’m short on one, I adjust the total amount with what I have on hand.
How do I keep the bread moist?
I use very ripe bananas, don’t overmix the batter, and store it wrapped tightly to keep it soft.
Conclusion
Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is a dreamy, decadent twist on a classic recipe. It’s easy to make, ultra-moist, and packed with those rich flavors I can never resist. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or keeping it all to myself (no shame), this is one loaf that always disappears fast.
Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Reese's peanut butter banana bread is the ultimate treat—rich, moist, and loaded with peanut butter, banana, and chunks of Reese's candy. It’s the perfect mashup of dessert and breakfast, all in one delicious slice.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas. Mix in peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in most of the chopped Reese’s.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with reserved Reese’s and optional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a little melted chocolate is okay).
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For muffins: Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best moisture and sweetness.
- Swirl in extra peanut butter before baking for a gooey touch.
- To freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
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