Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re dreaming of an irresistible twist on classic banana bread, let me introduce you to the wonder that is Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Imagine ultra-moist, rich banana bread packed with nutty peanut butter and swirled with chunks of creamy Reese’s cups—each bite is an explosion of nostalgia and decadence. Whether you’re whipping it up for a brunch table, sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee, or gifting a loaf to a fellow peanut butter fanatic, this loaf delivers pure comfort with a pop of chocolatey fun. It’s the kind of treat that vanishes before you know it, leaving everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this recipe plays a star role—don’t let their simplicity fool you! The combination of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and dreamy Greek yogurt delivers that signature Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread magic, and the Reese’s chunks take it over the top.

• Smooth peanut butter: Key for that unmistakable nutty flavor and the classic dense, creamy crumb.
• Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps give each slice a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a touch of warmth—absolutely worth using the real stuff!
• Granulated sugar: Keeps things sweet and helps achieve the perfect golden crust.
• Packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens every bite.
• Large eggs: Give the bread structure and richness so each piece holds together beautifully.
• Self-rising flour: The easiest way to guarantee a lift—no extra leaveners to fuss with.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Delivers a tangy undertone and guarantees your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread stays moist day after day.
• Ripe bananas (mashed): The riper, the better—those brown spots mean extra sweetness and irresistible banana aroma.
• Chopped Reese’s cups: Chop them chunky or fine to get pools of melty peanut butter chocolate in every piece.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures a steady bake and a lovely rise. Generously spray or butter two loaf pans so nothing sticks, then line the bottoms with parchment if you want guaranteed easy release later. A few extra moments here mean you’ll never lose a crumb.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla together for about two minutes. The mixture should look fluffy and lighter in color. This aeration gives Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread its lift and classic tender crumb.

Step 3: Sweeten Things Up

Add both sugars to the bowl—granulated and brown—and beat until everything is nicely incorporated and creamy, usually another two minutes. This is where those caramel notes start to build, and your kitchen will already smell incredible.

Step 4: Add Eggs One by One

Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once they’re all in, give the batter a good 30-second whip on higher speed until it turns a lovely pale beige. Scrape down the sides to catch every bit of goodness.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the self-rising flour, alternating with dollops of Greek yogurt. Always start and finish with flour—this keeps everything airy and prevents over-mixing. Mix just until fully combined, so your bread stays soft, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

Put away the mixer and switch to a spatula for this step. Gently fold in your mashed bananas and those all-important chopped Reese’s cups. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you see beautiful rivers of banana and Reese’s throughout the batter.

Step 7: Fill the Pans and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared loaf pans. Bake for 35 minutes, then check for over-browning—if needed, rest a piece of foil loosely on top. Continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes more, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean (melty Reese’s bits don’t count!).

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for 15 minutes (this helps set the crumb), then carefully turn them out onto a rack. Wait for them to cool completely—or enjoy a warm slice if you can’t resist!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a drizzle of melted peanut butter, a swirl of chocolate sauce, or even a crown of extra chopped Reese’s cups for maximum wow-factor. If you want a touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of flaked sea salt to balance the sweetness and make those chocolate notes sing.

Side Dishes

A thick slice of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. For brunch, add fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon on the side—the salty contrast absolutely elevates the sweet, nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing leftover bread and layering it into a trifle with whipped cream and bananas, or toasting thick slices under the broiler for an ultra-indulgent dessert. For gatherings, bake the batter as muffins or mini loaves and wrap them individually as edible gifts—people will rave!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days—if it lasts that long. A sealed container works great to lock in that peanutty aroma.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cooled bread, wrap each piece in plastic, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Whenever you want a treat, just grab a slice or two and thaw—this bread tastes just as dreamy after freezing as it does fresh.

Reheating

To enjoy a slice warm (and oh, you should!), microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. The Reese’s cups will get wonderfully gooey, and the peanut butter aroma will fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the self-rising flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Double-check your Reese’s cups, too, to ensure they fit your dietary needs.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt, or are there substitutions?

Greek yogurt gives an unbeatable moistness, but you can substitute with sour cream or regular yogurt if needed. The important part is keeping that creamy texture which sets Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread apart.

What’s the best way to chop Reese’s cups for the bread?

A quick rough chop is best—aim for some bigger chunks for puddles of peanut butter and some smaller pieces that melt into the bread. For less mess, freeze the cups for half an hour before chopping.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Go for it if you love extra texture! Just know that it will give your bread a bit more bite and a slightly less creamy crumb. Either way, the peanutty flavor will still shine.

Why is my banana bread sinking in the middle?

This usually means your loaf needed a few more minutes in the oven or was over-mixed. Always test the center with a toothpick and let the bread sit in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to the rack.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a banana bread like no other, Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the answer to every comfort-food craving. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from friends and family—give it a go, and watch this unforgettable loaf disappear slice by slice!

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