Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect mashup of comfort and pure decadence, look no further than Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. This irresistible treat brings together the classic, cozy flavors of ripe banana bread with that rich swirl of creamy peanut butter — all tied together by bites of chocolatey Reese’s cups. It’s a dreamy loaf that’s equally at home on a brunch table or tucked into a lunchbox, and every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re sharing slices with friends or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment!), this bread is destined to become your latest homemade obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread truly special is how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen each ingredient is. Every item here deserves its place, helping create the ultimate balance of moist texture, bold flavor, and irresistible peanut butter-chocolate goodness.

• Smooth peanut butter: Use a creamy variety for that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth richness and the best swirl into the batter.
• Butter, softened: Adds essential moisture and depth, ensuring each bite is tender and never dry.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the sweet, aromatic profile of the loaf.
• Granulated sugar: Gives the bread sweetness and structure, helping with that perfect crumb.
• Light brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds toasty, caramel notes and amps up the bread’s comforting vibe.
• Large eggs: Essential for structure and lift, making the bread rise beautifully every time.
• Self-rising flour: Already includes leaveners, so your loaf bakes up tall, soft, and effortless.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Gives the bread an ultra-moist, tender texture and a tangy kick to balance any sweetness.
• Ripe bananas, mashed: The banana flavor should be front and center, so make sure yours are deeply speckled and perfectly mushy.
• Chopped Reese’s cups: The star of the show; fold these in for pops of chocolate-peanut butter in every slice.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures your bread bakes evenly right from the get-go. Grab two standard non-stick loaf pans (either 9 x 5 or 8 x 4 inches works) and give them a generous coating of baking spray, or butter and flour them for extra insurance against sticking. Prepped pans mean your loaves will pop out effortlessly after cooling.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the smooth peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract for a full two minutes. This step makes the mixture super light and fluffy, laying the foundation for a tender crumb in your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Step 3: Add the Sugars

Toss both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar into your bowl, then beat on medium-high for another two minutes. The sugars not only sweeten the bread but help create that irresistible, almost-caramelized crust when baked.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before you add the next. Once all eggs are in, crank up the mixer speed and beat for about 30 seconds. The batter should look airy and pale—exactly what you want for a lift in your loaves. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottoms of your bowl for an even mix.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Yogurt

With your mixer on low, add the self-rising flour, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Begin and finish with flour, gently mixing after each addition. This keeps the bread light and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tougher texture. Don’t forget to give the bowl one last scrape so everything’s fully incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

Set the mixer aside—it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in those mashed bananas until just combined, followed by the chopped Reese’s cups. This is where Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread truly comes to life, with chunks of chocolatey peanut butter hidden throughout.

Step 7: Bake Off the Loaves

Evenly divide your luscious batter between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 35 minutes, then take a peek. If you notice the tops browning a bit too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to avoid burning. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your loaves cool in the pans for 15 minutes so they set up a bit and don’t fall apart. Then, carefully turn them out onto a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. The chocolate and peanut butter bits will still be slightly gooey if you slice while warm—utterly heavenly!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle the top of each loaf with a handful of mini Reese’s pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar after it cools. You can also drizzle a little warmed peanut butter or chocolate over the slices for a truly decadent finish that screams dessert—or breakfast, we don’t judge!

Side Dishes

This bread plays well with a simple cup of coffee, cold milk, or a frothy latte. For weekend brunch, offer it alongside fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt, or a handful of salted nuts. Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go the extra mile, cut thick slices and serve them sandwich-style with an extra swipe of peanut butter between two pieces. You can also cube the bread and layer it into parfaits, or toast individual slices and top them with banana coins and a honey drizzle for a sweet, satisfying twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread wonderfully moist, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious with a little time.

Freezing

If you’d like to make the bread in advance, slice the loaf (or loaves), wrap the pieces individually, and freeze them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to two months. This makes it easy to grab a quick snack or lunchbox treat whenever the craving strikes!

Reheating

For the just-baked taste, pop slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven. Top with an extra slather of peanut butter or a pat of butter to really bring out all the luscious flavors and aromas.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! If you love extra texture in your bread, crunchy peanut butter adds an appealing, nutty bite. Just know that the loaf will have a slightly chunkier feel compared to the creamy version.

What if I only have regular flour, not self-rising?

If you’re using all-purpose flour, just add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour called for in the recipe. This will give you the same lift and tenderness as self-rising flour.

Can I use a hand mixer if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to beat everything thoroughly, especially when creaming the butters and sugar. Scrape your bowl well for even mixing.

Are there other candies I can use instead of Reese’s cups?

Definitely—if you’re in the mood to experiment, swap in chopped peanut butter chips, mini chocolate chips, or another favorite chocolate candy. The results will be different but still deliciously fun!

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

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free baking flour blend along with a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to replace the self-rising flour. The loaf will still be moist and packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread and fall in love with every gooey, nutty, chocolate-filled bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary afternoons into little celebrations and brings plenty of joy to gatherings with family or friends. Go ahead and bake a loaf (or two)—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

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