Introduction
Is there any scent more comforting than a kitchen warmed by the oven on a rainy Tuesday in Bend? Probably not. It was just yesterday that James came running in from the backyard. Socks soaked and smelling of pine needles. Begging for a snack that didn’t involve a carrot stick. I looked at the fruit bowl and saw them. Three bananas so speckled and dark they looked like they had been forgotten in a time capsule. Ethan. Usually the first to reach for the camera when the light hits the counter just right. Said they were past their prime. But I knew better. Those neglected fruits were the soul of the easy peanut butter banana bread I had been dreaming of all week.
Bringing the creamy richness of peanut butter banana loaf into a standard recipe isn’t just about adding protein. It is about that deep. Nutty complexity that balances the honeyed sweetness of a ripe banana. I have always believed that the best peanut butter banana bread doesn’t need a fancy stand mixer or a culinary degree. It needs a sturdy bowl and a wooden spoon. This recipe is a reflection of my philosophy at MisterRecipes.com. I don’t chase perfection in food. I chase connection. Whether it is sneaking a slice into Olivia’s lunchbox or sharing a warm heel of the loaf with Ethan over coffee. This moist peanut butter banana bread is my way of saying I love you without making a sound.
I remember my grandmother always saying that a kitchen is the heart of the home. But I think she forgot to mention that the oven is its pulse. When you slide this pb banana bread into the heat. The smell of roasted peanuts and caramelizing sugars begins to drift through the house. Pulling everyone into the kitchen like a magnet. If you have been looking for an easy peanut butter banana bread recipe that delivers a velvety crumb every single time. You have found it. It is simpler than my 5-ingredient easy banana bread but brings twice the personality to the table.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You’ll Love This easy peanut butter banana bread
- Ingredients for easy peanut butter banana bread
- How to Make easy peanut butter banana bread
- Pro Tips & Variations of easy peanut butter banana bread
- easy peanut butter banana bread Serving Suggestions
- easy peanut butter banana bread Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about easy peanut butter banana bread
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This easy peanut butter banana bread
- Rich Texture. The addition of peanut butter creates a moist peanut butter banana bread that feels incredibly indulgent without being heavy.
- Kitchen Staple Friendly. You likely already have everything in your pantry. Making this the perfect banana bread with peanut butter for last minute cravings.
- Kid Approved. Both Olivia and James swear this tastes like a giant peanut butter cookie in loaf form.
- Versatile Base. It works perfectly as a chocolate chip peanut butter banana bread if you decide to toss in a handful of semi sweet morsels.
- Better Than Store Bought. Even compared to my famous better than starbucks banana bread copycat. This version has a homemade soul that can’t be replicated in a commercial kitchen.
Ingredients for easy peanut butter banana bread
- 3 Large Very Ripe Bananas. The darker the better for that intense natural sweetness.
- 1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter. I prefer a high quality natural brand. But the conventional stuff works perfectly for a fluffier rise.
- 1/3 Cup Melted Butter. Unsalted is best so we can control the seasoning ourselves.
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar. This adds a hint of molasses that complements the peanuts beautifully.
- 1 Large Egg. Room temperature helps it incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract. A splash of pure vanilla is a non negotiable in my kitchen.
- 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour. Organic unbleached is my go to for a tender crumb.
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda. The lift that keeps our loaf light.
- Pinch of Salt. To make all those flavors pop.
How to Make easy peanut butter banana bread
Step-by-Step Instructions for easy peanut butter banana bread
- Preheat and Prep. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non stick spray. In Bend. I often find the dry air affects browning. So I keep a close eye on the oven.
- Mash the Bananas. In a large bowl. Mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth with just a few small chunks left for texture.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients. Stir in the melted butter and the creamy peanut butter. Use a whisk to ensure the peanut butter banana loaf base is completely uniform. Whisk in the sugar. Egg. And vanilla until the mixture looks glossy and smells like a dream.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture. Then gently fold in the flour. Be careful not to overmix. We want a tender bite. Not a tough one. If you want a peanut butter swirl banana bread effect. You can drop spoonfuls of extra peanut butter on top and swirl with a knife before baking.
- Bake to Perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Your home will start to smell like a cozy bakery. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden like the late summer sun over the Cascades.
- Cool Patiently. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This helps the structure set. For an even more decadent treat. You might try my reeses peanut butter banana bread recipe next time.
Pro Tips & Variations of easy peanut butter banana bread
If you are looking for a healthy peanut butter banana bread. You can substitute half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour and replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup. For my friends with dietary restrictions. A gluten free peanut butter banana bread is easy to achieve by using a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend. I have found inspiration for my ratios from lovely sources like Two Peas and Their Pod. Who also appreciate the magic of this flavor pairing.
For a vegan peanut butter banana bread. Use a flax egg and replace the butter with melted coconut oil. If you want a bit of crunch. Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. I sometimes do this when Ethan wants something with more bite for his afternoon snack.
easy peanut butter banana bread Serving Suggestions
This bread is magnificent on its own. But a smear of salty butter takes it to another level. If I am feeling extra indulgent for Sunday brunch. I will toast a thick slice and top it with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a dark roast coffee or a cold glass of milk for the kids. If you enjoy this flavor profile. You would also love my chocolate peanut butter banana bread best recipe for a more dessert forward option.
easy peanut butter banana bread Storage & Reheating
Keep your easy peanut butter banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it lasts that long. It actually gets moister on day two as the flavors meld. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just pop a frozen slice in the toaster oven for a quick breakfast that feels like a hug.
FAQ about easy peanut butter banana bread
What is the best peanut butter banana bread secret?
The secret is using overripe bananas and not overworking the batter. The peanut butter provides natural oils that keep the crumb tender.
Can I make a no sugar peanut butter banana bread?
Yes. You can rely on the natural sugars in the bananas. Though the texture will be denser and less cake like.
Is this the same as a soft baked banana bread snack?
While similar in flavor. This loaf has a more traditional bread structure compared to something like my soft baked banana bread cookies recipe.
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets over the mountains and the house grows quiet. I often find myself back in the kitchen. Cleaning the stray crumbs from the counter. This easy peanut butter banana bread is more than just a recipe to me. It is a reminder that even the most bruised and forgotten ingredients have value if we give them a little time and heat. It is about the sticky fingers James has after his second slice and the way Ethan always offers to do the dishes if it means he gets the first warm piece. I hope this loaf brings as much warmth to your home as it does to ours. Pin this for later. And may your skillet always have a story to tell.
Easy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. In Bend, I often find the dry air affects browning. So I keep a close eye on the oven.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth with just a few small chunks left for texture.
- Stir in the melted butter and the creamy peanut butter. Use a whisk to ensure the peanut butter banana loaf base is completely uniform. Whisk in the sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture looks glossy and smells like a dream.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the wet mixture. Then gently fold in the flour. Be careful not to overmix. We want a tender bite, not a tough one. If you want a peanut butter swirl banana bread effect, you can drop spoonfuls of extra peanut butter on top and swirl with a knife before baking.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Your home will start to smell like a cozy bakery. The loaf is done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden like the late summer sun over the Cascades.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This helps the structure set. For an even more decadent treat, you might try my Reeses peanut butter banana bread recipe next time.
