A Rainy Morning and the Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Have you ever noticed how the scent of overripe bananas sitting on a wooden counter has a way of demanding your attention? It is a quiet, sweet hum that whispers of possibility. This morning in Bend, the Oregon sky is a heavy, bruised purple, and the rain is tapping a rhythmic beat against our kitchen window. Ethan is already in the corner, adjusting his tripod to catch the soft, diffused light, while Olivia and James are huddled over the counter, eyes wide with anticipation. They know that when the bananas turn that specific shade of speckled leopard brown, something magical is about to happen. Today, we are not just making any loaf. We are crafting a Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread that feels more like a hug than a snack. Does anyone else feel like the combination of salty nut butter and sweet fruit is the ultimate culinary love language?
This particular Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread began as a happy accident. A few years ago, after a particularly successful Halloween, we found ourselves with an abundance of miniature peanut butter cups. James suggested we ‘bury the treasure’ inside my best moist banana bread. The result was a revelation. It is a story of connection, really. I don’t chase perfection in food, I chase the way a warm slice of bread can make my children stop squabbling for five minutes and just breathe. Whether you are looking for an easy Reese’s peanut butter banana bread recipe with cake mix for a quick fix or prefer the scratch-made method I’m sharing today, the goal is the same: a kitchen filled with warmth and a heart full of gratitude.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Pro Tips & Variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Irresistible Flavor Harmony: The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the iconic, salty-sweet crunch of Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Moisture That Lasts: Unlike dry loaves that crumble, this chocolate peanut butter banana bread remains incredibly tender for days.
- Family Approved: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids (and photographers named Ethan) who appreciate the ‘treasure hunt’ of finding candy pieces in every bite.
- Versatile: It works as an indulgent breakfast, a school lunch surprise, or a late-night dessert topped with a peanut butter glaze banana bread drizzle.
Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
In our house, we gravitate toward organic ingredients whenever the Bend farmers market allows, but the beauty of this loaf is its humbleness. You likely have most of this in your pantry right now.
- Ripe Bananas: You need three or four medium bananas, so brown and soft they practically melt out of their skins.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: I prefer a smooth, classic brand like Jif or Skippy for consistent texture, but a natural stir-style works if you don’t mind a denser crumb.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped into uneven, rustic chunks. We often use the miniatures for ease.
- Reese’s Pieces: These add a delightful structural crunch and a pop of color.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our Reese’s banana bread.
- Sugar: A blend of granulated white and light brown sugar for that deep, molasses-like undertone.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and slightly cooled to contribute to the moist chocolate chip banana bread feel.
- Large Eggs: At room temperature to ensure they emulsify perfectly into the batter.
- Baking Soda and Salt: To provide lift and balance the intense sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Real Madagascar vanilla makes all the difference in a Reese’s Pieces peanut butter banana bread.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Setup the Sanctuary: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan liberally with butter. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang like handles, which makes lifting the Reese’s Pieces peanut butter banana quick bread glaze drizzled loaf out a breeze later.
- Mash the Gold: In a large mixing bowl, peel your bananas and mash them with a fork. Leave a few small lumps. I find the texture more honest that way. It should look like thick, golden custard.
- Blend the Aromatics: Whisk in the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugars. The smell at this stage is intoxicating, like a candy shop on a summer afternoon. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Fold in the Dry Goods: Gently sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Stop just before the last streak of flour disappears. Over-mixing is the enemy of a soft and moist banana cake.
- Add the Treasure: This is my favorite part. Stir in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and half of the Reese’s Pieces. Inspired by the decadence found in this version from Mom Loves Baking, I like to be generous with the inclusions.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s Pieces on top for a beautiful finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Your kitchen will begin to smell like toasted nuts and caramelized sugar.
- The Patience Test: The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. As noted in my guide on never dry sour cream banana bread, patience during cooling ensures the structure sets perfectly.
Pro Tips & Variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Cooking is a living thing, and you should feel free to adapt this easy Reese’s peanut butter banana bread to suit your pantry. If you want a gluten free Reese’s banana bread, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. For those following a lower carb lifestyle, a keto Reese’s peanut butter banana loaf can be achieved using almond flour and a sugar substitute, though the texture will be slightly more dense.
If you find yourself in a rush, you can even try an easy Reese’s peanut butter banana bread recipe with cake mix by using a yellow cake mix as the base, adding mashed bananas and peanut butter. For an extra layer of indulgence, I often whisk together a bit of powdered sugar, milk, and peanut butter to create a Reese’s Pieces peanut butter banana quick bread glaze to pour over the top once the loaf is cool. My friend over at Cookies and Cups does a similar version that is absolutely dreamy.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Serving Suggestions
While this loaf is a star on its own, we love serving thick slices with a smear of salted butter. If it’s a celebration morning, I’ll slice it thin and use it to make French toast, which James calls ‘Candy Breakfast.’ You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you’re a fan of these flavors, you might also enjoy my chunky monkey banana bread cookies for a portable version of this treat.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Storage & Reheating
This bread actually tastes better on day two as the banana moisture settles. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, I suggest a quick 10 second zap in the microwave or a low toast in the oven until the peanut butter cups just begin to glisten again. Much like my world’s moistest banana bread, it retains its plush texture beautifully over time.
FAQ about Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Can I make a Reese’s peanut butter cup banana bread healthy version?
Yes. You can substitute the butter for unsweetened applesauce and use dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Using a touch of honey instead of refined sugar also helps achieve a more wholesome profile.
How do I prevent the peanut butter cups from sinking to the bottom?
Toss your chopped candy in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them ‘grip’ the batter and stay suspended during the bake.
What is the best way to mash bananas for Reese’s banana bread?
For this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread, I like a coarse mash. You can use a potato masher or even a stand mixer with the paddle attachment if you are doing a double batch for friends.
Final Thoughts
As the rain finally lulls in Bend and the sun starts to peek through the pine trees, our kitchen is quiet again. The only sound is the scraping of forks against plates. These moments, messy and sweet, are what I live for. I hope this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread finds a permanent home in your recipe box. It isn’t just about the candy or the fruit. It’s about the twenty minutes you spend mashing bananas and the hour you spend waiting for the oven to sing. Pin this for later, and when you bake it, tell your family you love them through the scent of peanut butter and warm bread. Happy baking, friends.
Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork, leaving a few small lumps. Whisk in the melted butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Gently sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Stop just before the last streak of flour disappears.
- Stir in the chopped Reese's peanut butter cups and half of the Reese's Pieces.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
