Move over plain banana bread—peanut butter banana bread is here to take your baking game to the next level. This protein-packed twist on a classic quick bread is rich, moist, and incredibly satisfying, with nutty undertones that pair perfectly with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas.
According to a 2025 survey by Food Navigator, 3 in 5 home bakers are actively looking for comfort food recipes that combine nostalgic flavors with nutrient-dense ingredients. Enter peanut butter banana bread—a match made in baking heaven. It’s everything you love about classic banana bread but with a creamy, indulgent upgrade that adds both flavor and satiety.
Whether you’re baking for weekend brunch, packing lunches for the week, or surprising a friend with a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf checks every box: easy to make, easy to love, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients List
This delicious peanut butter banana bread recipe yields one standard 9×5-inch loaf.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour – for structure and softness
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps it rise beautifully
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – adds cozy warmth
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed – the star ingredient
- 2 large eggs – binds and enriches the loaf
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter – adds protein and moisture
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed – for depth and sweetness
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – balances the flavor
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – keeps the bread extra moist
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – brings it all together
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips – for a touch of indulgence
- ½ cup chopped peanuts – adds crunch
- 1 scoop protein powder – for a fitness-friendly upgrade
- Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a GF version
Timing
Here’s how much time you’ll need to bake your way to perfection:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 55–60 minutes
- Total time: PT1H10M
Compared to other quick bread recipes, which often take over 90 minutes including prep, this peanut butter banana bread comes together about 20% faster, making it a great option for weeknight baking or last-minute brunch plans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Pro Tip: Use parchment with “handles” for clean, easy lifting and less sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents overmixing later.
Step 3: Mash and Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or potato masher. Add peanut butter, eggs, brown and granulated sugars, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be silky and slightly thick.
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture, but chunky adds fun bites of crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense or rubbery loaf. If you’re adding extras like chocolate chips or peanuts, fold them in gently now.
Optional: Swirl in a bit of extra peanut butter on top before baking for a marbled look.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to level the top evenly. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Pro Tip: Tent with foil after 40 minutes if the top begins to brown too quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing—this helps maintain structure and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 10)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Nutrition will vary based on add-ins and flour type.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy your peanut butter banana bread with a healthier twist? Here are a few easy ways to lighten it up without losing flavor:
- Use natural peanut butter: No added sugars or oils for a cleaner taste
- Swap oil for Greek yogurt: Adds protein and moisture while reducing fat
- Try whole wheat flour: Increases fiber and gives a nuttier flavor
- Reduce sugar: Use only brown sugar or replace both with maple syrup or honey
- Make it vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based yogurt instead of oil
This version of banana bread can easily support various dietary lifestyles without compromising on its irresistible flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is as versatile as it is tasty. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Toasted with toppings: Add sliced bananas, honey drizzle, or even more peanut butter
- Breakfast delight: Serve with Greek yogurt and berries for a protein-packed morning meal
- Afternoon snack: Pair with coffee or tea for a comforting break
- Dessert-worthy: Add chocolate chips and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream
- Gifting idea: Wrap slices in parchment and tie with twine for a thoughtful, homemade gift
Craving more banana goodness? Check out our Pineapple Banana Bread Delight and Festive Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless loaf every time:
- Using under-ripe bananas: They lack the necessary sweetness and moisture
- Overmixing the batter: Can cause the bread to be dense and chewy
- Wrong oven temperature: Always preheat and use an oven thermometer if possible
- Removing from pan too soon: Can result in breakage—let it rest before moving
- Skipping the salt: Salt enhances all the sweet and nutty notes in the bread
Storing Tips
Here’s how to keep your loaf tasting fresh longer:
- Room Temp: Store wrapped or in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Refrigerator: Store up to 1 week—reheat slices to restore moisture
- Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Toast or microwave individual slices before serving
For best results, let the bread cool completely before freezing or wrapping to avoid trapping steam.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Bread is everything a comfort bake should be—rich, soft, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this loaf is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.
Ready to try it? Share your version in the comments and tag @SofyaRecipes on social. Don’t forget to subscribe for more flavor-packed recipes from Sofya Petrova!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds texture and crunch, though it may make the loaf slightly denser.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, feel free to adjust to your taste. The bananas and peanut butter already provide natural sweetness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Very much so! Slice the cooled loaf, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What else can I add to the batter?
Try mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of jam for flavor variations.
