Name: Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 8 ounces miniature peanut butter cups, roughly chopped

Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a baked good; it’s a hug in a slice, a childhood memory rekindled, and an absolute crowd-pleaser all rolled into one irresistible loaf. There’s something inherently comforting about a moist, flavorful banana bread, but when you infuse it with the iconic, sweet and salty goodness of Reese’s peanut butter cups, you elevate it from mere dessert to pure indulgence. We love this Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread because it perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the decadent creaminess of peanut butter, punctuated by those delightful chocolatey bursts. It’s that magical combination of familiar flavors, reimagin extracted with a playful twist, that makes this recipe so incredibly special and utterly addictive. Get ready to bake the best Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces miniature peanut butter cups, roughly chopped (reserve a few whole for topping if desired)

Preheating and Preparation

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prepare Your Pan

The first crucial step to a perfect Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread is preheating your oven. This ensures that the bread bakes evenly from the moment it enters the heat. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven is coming up to temperature, you’ll want to prepare your loaf pan. A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works wonderfully for this recipe. To prevent any sticking, generously grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For an extra layer of security and easier removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This “sling” of parchment paper will make lifting the finished bread out of the pan a breeze.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Goods

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, we’re going to whisk together all of our dry ingredients. This includes the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, which provides the structure for our bread. Next, add the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. These leavening agents are essential for giving our banana bread its signature rise and tender crum extractb. Finally, sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Salt, even in a sweet bread, plays a vital role in balancing flavors and enhancing the sweetness, preventing it from becoming cloying. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and there are no visible streaks of flour. This step ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter, leading to a consistent bake.

Creating the Wet Base

Step 3: Mash Bananas and Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s move on to the heart of our Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread: the bananas. You’ll need 3 very ripe medium bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more intense their flavor will be, and they will mash up more easily, contributing moisture to the bread. In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas with a fork or a potato masher until they are mostly smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. It’s okay to have some texture. To the mashed bananas, add the 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Using creamy peanut butter will ensure a smooth integration into the batter and a subtle, delicious peanut butter flavor throughout. Next, pour in the 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Vegetable oil contributes to the moisture and tenderness of the bread. Now, crack in your 2 large eggs. Eggs act as a binder, holding everything together, and also contribute to richness and structure. Finally, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir this wet mixture vigorously with a whisk or a spatula until everything is well combined and smooth. You want to ensure the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the banana mixture.

Combining Wet and Dry, and Adding the Stars

Step 4: Gently Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Peanut Butter Cups

It’s time to bring our wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture from Step 2 to the wet banana and peanut butter mixture from Step 3. It’s important to do this gently. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing the batter at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense bread. You want to see streaks of flour disappear, but don’t keep stirring once it’s mostly incorporated. Now for the most exciting part! Gently fold in the 8 ounces of miniature peanut butter cups that you’ve roughly chopped. If you’ve reserved a few whole ones for the top, set those aside now. Folding them in ensures that pockets of delicious Reeses peanut butter goodness are distributed throughout the bread. You should still be able to see distinct pieces of the peanut butter cups within the batter.

Baking and Cooling

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cool Down

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. If you reserved any whole miniature peanut butter cups, you can gently press them into the top of the batter for a decorative and extra-delicious finish. Now, carefully place the loaf pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50 to 65 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. To test if the bread is ready, insert a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a fewrum extractist crumbs attached, your Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 to 15 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the bread to set slightly before you attempt to remove it from the pan. After this, carefully use the parchment paper overhang (if used) or invert the pan onto the wire rack to release the bread. Allow the bread to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. This is crucial for achieving clean slices and allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Slicing into hot bread can result in a gummy texture. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this delightful journey into creating the ultimate Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread! This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the comforting sweetness of banana bread and the irresistible salty-sweet goodness of Reese’s peanut butter cups. It’s a truly decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your additions! This moist and flavorful bread is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a special dessert.

Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy a warm slice on its own, or elevate it with a smear of extra peanut butter, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. For variations, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even a swirl of extra peanut butter batter before baking. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this spectacular Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, wrap your Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the star, you can substitute them with other peanut butter candies or even just chopped peanut butter candies. Alternatively, you could simply add more peanut butter chips to the batter and swirl in some extra creamy peanut butter.

How can I make this bread even more decadent?

For an extra decadent experience, try adding a layer of peanut butter frosting or a chocolate glaze over the top of your cooled Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread. You could also fold in some mini chocolate chips or M&Ms along with the chopped peanut butter cups.