Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Introduction
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a decadent twist on a beloved classic. By blending ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this loaf delivers rich flavor, moist texture, and irresistible sweetness. It’s perfect for dessert, brunch, or a comforting homemade treat.
Description
This banana bread is soft, moist, and generously studded with chocolate-peanut butter candy pieces. The natural sweetness of bananas balances the richness of peanut butter, while Reese’s candies add pockets of gooey indulgence and crunch throughout every slice.
Ingredients & Quantity
For the Banana Bread
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk or buttermilk
1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional)
Optional Topping
¼ cup peanut butter, melted (for drizzle)
Instructions
Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash bananas and stir in peanut butter, melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
Fold in Reese’s: Gently fold in chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter over cooled bread before slicing.
Origin
Banana bread originated in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to avoid wasting overripe bananas. The addition of peanut butter and candy reflects modern American baking trends that celebrate creativity, comfort, and bold flavor combinations.
Cultural Significance
Banana bread is a staple in American home baking, symbolizing warmth, thriftiness, and family tradition. This Reese’s version elevates the classic into a dessert-style loaf, blending nostalgic candy flavors with homemade comfort.
Optional Additions
Mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor
Chopped nuts for crunch
A chocolate ganache topping
Swirl extra peanut butter into the batter
Tips for Success
Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)
Calories: 320–360
Protein: 6–8g
Fat: 18–20g
Carbohydrates: 38–42g
Sugar: 22–26g
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake—rich, moist, and packed with flavor. It’s a fun and indulgent take on a timeless favorite that satisfies both banana bread lovers and chocolate-peanut butter fans alike.
Recommendation
Enjoy this bread slightly warm with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. It also makes a wonderful gift or dessert centerpiece for gatherings.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While indulgent, this banana bread can be enjoyed mindfully. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, and peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Savoring a slice as an occasional treat allows you to enjoy sweetness without sacrificing balance.
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