The heavenly pairing of chocolate and peanut butter meets ripe banana in this decadent quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Moist and rich with melty chocolate chips in every bite, it’s the kind of bake that comforts and delights with very little effort.
This loaf brings together the nostalgia of banana bread with the indulgence of a peanut butter cup, all wrapped in one gooey, sliceable masterpiece. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or a family treat, this recipe always gets rave reviews. Best of all, you likely have everything you need already in your pantry!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, peanut butter, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
The Magic of Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and soul-warming about banana bread. Now, add a generous swirl of creamy peanut butter and the indulgent richness of cocoa, and you’ve got a recipe that transcends your average quick bread: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread. This upgraded version of a classic has become a beloved favorite among home bakers and dessert lovers alike. It’s sweet, slightly salty, ultra-moist, and packs in layers of flavor that make each bite more satisfying than the last.
What makes this loaf extra special is the seamless fusion of three distinct, crowd-pleasing ingredients. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and a soft, tender crumb; peanut butter brings a nutty, creamy richness that deepens the flavor profile; and cocoa powder plus chocolate chips inject deep, fudgy notes that make this feel more like dessert than breakfast—although, truthfully, it works beautifully for both.
Why This Bread Works: A Flavor Fusion That Delivers
Banana bread alone is known for its soft texture and comforting flavor, but the introduction of peanut butter creates a subtly savory edge that balances the overall sweetness. This balance is further enhanced with the deep complexity of cocoa, which not only adds flavor but a beautiful chocolatey color to the loaf. What you end up with is a harmonious interplay between nutty, fruity, and rich chocolate notes—all held together by the familiar structure of banana bread.
One of the key reasons this loaf stands out is the texture. It’s dense yet tender, thanks to the moisture from ripe bananas and the fat content from the peanut butter and oil. Unlike some quick breads that dry out quickly, this one remains soft for days—often tasting better on the second day as the flavors meld and deepen.
Perfect for All Occasions
This chocolate peanut butter banana bread isn’t just for lazy weekends or cozy mornings. It’s versatile enough for nearly any occasion. Serve it as an indulgent afternoon snack with coffee, bring it to a brunch potluck to wow your guests, or wrap it up as a thoughtful homemade gift. Because it looks as good as it tastes, it’s also ideal for sharing on social media or baking blogs, especially when topped with a glossy drizzle of melted peanut butter or a handful of extra chocolate chips.
It’s also a great way to use up those spotty bananas sitting on your counter—turning food that’s on the edge of being tossed into a luxurious baked treat. The addition of pantry staples like cocoa powder and peanut butter makes it both budget-friendly and easy to prepare without a special grocery trip.
Baking Tips for the Best Results
For best results, it’s crucial to use bananas that are fully ripe—brown, spotty, and soft. The natural sugars in overripe bananas provide the ideal sweetness and moisture. Similarly, use smooth, unsweetened peanut butter if possible, as it keeps the loaf from being overly sugary or oily.
You can customize the chocolate elements based on your preference: dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or milk chocolate chips for extra sweetness. If you want to make it gluten-free, a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works beautifully without sacrificing structure or taste.
To elevate presentation, you can swirl extra peanut butter on top of the batter before baking. It creates a stunning marbled effect and adds a visual cue to the flavor inside. A light sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving adds a gourmet touch that enhances every bite.
Storage and Freezing
Another reason this bread is so beloved is its storage friendliness. It keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days, and even longer when refrigerated. In fact, some people argue it tastes better chilled, with the flavors becoming more pronounced.
If you want to extend its life further, this bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing and wrap each slice individually for a quick snack or breakfast on the go. Simply reheat in the microwave or toaster oven, and it’s as good as freshly baked.
Healthier Swaps and Dietary Adjustments
Despite its indulgent flavor, this loaf can be made with a few smart substitutions for a lighter option. You can reduce the sugar slightly, use applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of some oil, or swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber.
For dairy-free bakers, simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based milk (if the recipe calls for any liquid add-ins). Vegans can replace the eggs with flax eggs or a mashed banana, although this may slightly alter the texture.
Even when modified, the combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate remains a winning trio, proving this loaf’s incredible adaptability.
Pairing Suggestions
Pairing chocolate peanut butter banana bread with drinks is where the real magic happens. Enjoy a slice with a strong cup of black coffee for a bitter-sweet contrast, or pair it with a glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for a classic, comforting combo.
For dessert, consider lightly toasting a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Or turn it into an indulgent breakfast by adding a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
The possibilities are endless, and each one makes the most of the loaf’s rich, multi-layered flavors.
Why This Recipe Has Internet Buzz
This particular take on banana bread has gone viral on social media—and for good reason. The dreamy combination of familiar flavors with a stunning visual presentation makes it share-worthy and irresistible. Its cross-appeal to kids and adults, chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans, health-conscious eaters and sweet tooths alike, means that it checks almost every box in the baking world.
Bloggers and home bakers love how forgiving and foolproof the recipe is, making it ideal for beginners. At the same time, seasoned bakers appreciate how easy it is to elevate it with creative toppings, mix-ins, or variations.
It also taps into nostalgic flavors—peanut butter and chocolate are childhood favorites—while offering a grown-up twist in a beautifully baked loaf. In a world of fleeting food trends, this recipe has true staying power.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience. With its rich taste, soft texture, and versatility, it offers the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a quiet morning, sharing at a gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this loaf delivers every time.
Its ease of preparation, pantry-friendly ingredients, and adaptable nature make it a staple you’ll want to bake again and again. So next time your bananas start to brown, skip the basic banana bread and go straight for the version that combines chocolate and peanut butter magic. You’ll thank yourself with every delicious bite.