This Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines two of the most comforting flavors into one irresistible treat. It’s incredibly moist, with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a swirl of creamy peanut butter in every bite. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a family gathering, or just because you need a cozy slice of joy, this loaf will not disappoint.
The sour cream gives it a tender crumb while the swirl of peanut butter makes every slice visually beautiful and deliciously rich. You can easily add chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch and indulgence. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, this banana bread will quickly become a family favorite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup sour cream
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3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
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Optional: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the peanut butter in dollops and gently swirl with a knife.
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Pour in the remaining batter and swirl the rest of the peanut butter on top.
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If using, sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips over the top.
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Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread 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: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Why Peanut Butter Banana Bread Is a Must-Bake Classic
Peanut butter banana bread is one of those recipes that effortlessly brings comfort, nostalgia, and bold flavor together in a single, moist loaf. Whether you’re a die-hard banana bread lover or a peanut butter enthusiast, this recipe is a game changer. What sets it apart is its perfect harmony of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter swirled throughout the bread. It’s not just a baked good—it’s an experience.
This unique combination of two pantry staples—bananas and peanut butter—results in a loaf that’s equally suited for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a casual dessert. It holds its own as a coffee companion in the morning and shines as a treat to wind down the evening. It’s versatile, deeply flavorful, and exceptionally easy to make. It also appeals to all ages, making it a popular choice for both weekday and weekend baking.
What Makes This Banana Bread Recipe Different
While traditional banana bread is beloved for its moist texture and mellow flavor, adding peanut butter into the mix elevates the recipe to a whole new level. It adds protein, richness, and a velvety depth that pairs perfectly with the fruity notes of the bananas.
Unlike banana breads that are overly sweet or rely on too much oil or butter for moisture, this version gets extra tenderness and tang from a small addition of sour cream. The result is a loaf that’s plush but never greasy, decadent yet balanced. Swirling peanut butter into the batter—not just mixing it in—ensures a marbled effect that delivers that nutty flavor in waves, not just as a background note. Every bite is a little different, and that makes the experience even more rewarding.
Ideal Bananas: The Riper, The Better
One of the best things about banana bread is that it puts overripe bananas to good use. Those brown-speckled or even blackened bananas that might otherwise go to waste are ideal here. The more ripe they are, the more natural sugar they contain and the easier they mash into the batter. This leads to a more flavorful and moist finished product.
Bananas that are fully ripe also pair more seamlessly with peanut butter because their stronger flavor stands up well to the nutty richness. This means the bread doesn’t get overwhelmed by either ingredient—they balance each other out beautifully.
Peanut Butter: Choose Creamy or Crunchy?
While most recipes (including this one) call for creamy peanut butter for that smooth swirl and even distribution, you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter if you want a bit more texture in your bread. Just make sure it’s not a natural or oily variety, as these can interfere with the batter’s consistency and the final bake. Use a standard shelf-stable peanut butter for the best results.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with flavored peanut butters—like honey-roasted or chocolate peanut butter—for a twist. These add subtle variations that can enhance or personalize your loaf.
Add-Ins to Make It Your Own
One of the best aspects of this banana bread is how customizable it is. The core recipe is a strong base that welcomes a variety of add-ins without losing its structure or moisture.
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Chocolate chips: The classic combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana never fails.
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Chopped nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or even roasted peanuts can add a delightful crunch.
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Coconut flakes: For a tropical twist, sweetened or unsweetened coconut works beautifully.
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Cinnamon or nutmeg: A dash of warm spice deepens the flavor and brings out the sweetness of the banana.
Adding toppings like a sprinkle of turbinado sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate post-bake can also make it feel more like a dessert loaf.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Peanut butter banana bread is the ultimate all-purpose baked good. It fits seamlessly into a variety of settings, whether you’re making it as a weekend treat, prepping it for a bake sale, gifting it during the holidays, or simply trying to reduce food waste.
It stores well at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for 3–4 days. It also freezes beautifully—just slice, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. They’ll be ready for a quick breakfast or snack anytime, no defrosting required.
It’s also a great choice for meal preppers and busy families. A slice or two tucked into a lunchbox or served with a cup of coffee makes for a satisfying, energizing snack.
Healthier Than You Think
While it’s definitely a treat, peanut butter banana bread isn’t all indulgence. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. By using a reasonable amount of sugar and opting for wholesome additions like whole wheat flour or oats, you can make the loaf even more nutritious without compromising taste.
You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or cut back on sugar and rely more on the bananas’ natural sweetness. For dairy-free or vegan adaptations, swap the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, use a flax egg substitute, and pick a non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream.
Tips for the Best Loaf Every Time
Achieving the perfect peanut butter banana bread is easier when you follow a few best practices:
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Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your bread dense.
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Room temperature ingredients: For best results, let the butter, eggs, and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive batter.
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Check for doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the loaf around the 55-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
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Cool before slicing: It’s tempting to dive in, but letting the loaf cool completely helps set the structure and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
A Comforting Recipe That Never Fails
Few baked goods carry the kind of emotional and sensory weight that banana bread does. Add peanut butter into the mix, and you’ve got something that’s comforting, satisfying, and indulgent all at once. It feels like a childhood favorite with a grown-up twist—perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring on your own.
Its simplicity is part of its charm. You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment to make it. It’s rustic in all the best ways, with a wholesome aroma that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to linger a little longer at the table.
Conclusion
Peanut butter banana bread isn’t just a one-time bake—it’s the kind of recipe you come back to over and over. It’s reliable, delicious, and infinitely customizable, making it a staple in any baker’s repertoire. Whether you stick with the classic version or tweak it to make it your own, the results are always delightful.
From the first moment you mash those overripe bananas to the warm, sweet scent that fills your kitchen as it bakes, to that first bite of nutty, moist goodness—it’s a rewarding experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for a go-to banana bread with a twist that delivers every time, this peanut butter-infused version is exactly what you need.