The fusion of classic banana bread with creamy peanut butter and melty chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups creates a rich, decadent twist on a beloved favorite. Each slice offers an irresistible balance of sweet banana flavor and nutty chocolate goodness, with a moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this banana bread is sure to impress kids and adults alike. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or toasted for extra crisp edges, this indulgent loaf is a showstopper that celebrates the joy of homemade baking with a playful candy-inspired twist.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
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1/4 cup sour cream
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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 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
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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 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: 410 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite
Banana bread has long held a cherished place in the kitchens of home bakers. Its irresistible aroma, moist texture, and sweet, mellow flavor make it a comfort food staple across cultures. But when you add the bold, creamy flavor of peanut butter and the indulgent richness of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this classic quick bread transforms into something truly spectacular. Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread takes everything you love about traditional banana bread and elevates it with layers of nutty, chocolatey sweetness, offering a bakery-worthy creation right from your home oven.
A Fusion of Nostalgia and Indulgence
At its core, this recipe brings together two powerful food memories: warm, homemade banana bread and the unmistakable taste of Reese’s. The familiar, humble loaf gets a gourmet upgrade with the addition of creamy peanut butter, which adds both moisture and depth of flavor. The chopped peanut butter cups scattered throughout the batter bring delightful surprises in every bite—melting slightly into pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter as the bread bakes.
For many, banana bread is tied to the comforting act of using up overripe bananas in a productive and delicious way. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s been passed down through generations, adaptable to various mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruit. This version embraces that same resourceful spirit but turns it into a dessert experience worthy of celebration.
Perfect Texture and Flavor Balance
What sets Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread apart from its simpler counterpart is its layered complexity in both texture and taste. The bananas provide natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb. The peanut butter enriches the bread without overpowering the banana, creating a creamy base that binds everything together. As for the Reese’s cups, they offer a slightly crunchy, gooey, and utterly satisfying contrast to the soft bread, with hits of milk chocolate and peanut butter flavor that burst throughout each slice.
The balance of salty and sweet is another standout feature. The peanut butter adds a slight savory note that balances the sweetness from the bananas and the candy, making each bite well-rounded and surprisingly not overly rich. The result is a loaf that feels indulgent without being cloying, and hearty without feeling heavy.
Great for Any Occasion
This banana bread variant isn’t just a treat—it’s a versatile addition to any menu. Serve it as a brunch centerpiece, a midday snack, or an easy dessert. It’s ideal for celebrations like birthdays or potlucks, where its fun and unexpected flavor twist can win over both kids and adults. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when wrapped up in parchment or a decorative tin.
You can even freeze this bread for later use, making it a great make-ahead item. Simply wrap slices individually and store them in the freezer; they reheat beautifully in the microwave or toaster oven, preserving their flavor and texture.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how much children love it. Kids are naturally drawn to anything with chocolate and peanut butter, and this bread delivers both in generous, gooey amounts. Yet it also retains enough of the traditional banana bread character to make it a feel-good treat for parents and caregivers. It’s also a great way to sneak in some fruit—ripe bananas are the star ingredient, after all—while still satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.
Whether you serve it as-is, drizzle a little extra peanut butter or chocolate over the top, or turn it into dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this bread adapts beautifully. It invites creativity and experimentation, making it a favorite not just for its taste but for the joy of making and sharing it.
Tips for Success
To get the best results with this banana bread, make sure your bananas are fully ripe—deep yellow with lots of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture and avoid natural peanut butter, which may separate and change the consistency of the batter.
For the Reese’s cups, you can either chop them roughly for big, bold chunks or cut them more finely for even distribution throughout the loaf. Freezing the cups slightly before chopping can help them hold their shape better during baking. If you want an even richer flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or a light sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the bread tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and gently fold in the candy at the end. This ensures the crumb stays tender and moist, which is what makes banana bread so beloved in the first place.
Customization and Variations
Like all good banana bread recipes, this one welcomes personalization. Want more crunch? Add chopped peanuts or walnuts. Want to amp up the chocolate factor? Try a swirl of Nutella or use mini Reese’s Pieces instead of cups. For an extra special touch, you can even bake this in mini loaf pans or muffin tins for individual servings.
You can also adapt it to suit different dietary preferences. Substitute a gluten-free flour blend if needed, or use a dairy-free sour cream and chocolate alternative to accommodate food sensitivities. The base recipe is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to enjoy this indulgent treat no matter your dietary needs.
A Recipe Worth Repeating
There’s something magical about the combination of bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate. It’s a trio that satisfies a wide range of cravings—from creamy to fruity to rich and chocolatey. With Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you get a homemade baked good that checks all the boxes: easy to prepare, budget-friendly, satisfying, and decadent enough to feel special.
This recipe is also a fantastic conversation starter. It’s familiar but unique, comforting yet exciting. It’s the kind of treat that makes people ask for the recipe, rave about how good it tastes, and come back for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning to experiment in the kitchen, this banana bread will quickly become part of your permanent baking repertoire.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a clever twist on a classic—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and creativity. By blending the nostalgia of traditional banana bread with the universally loved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, this recipe captures the best of both worlds. It’s easy enough for a casual weekend bake, yet impressive enough for a special gathering.
This loaf brings joy to the process of baking and sharing. It reminds us that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that surprise us with their simplicity and deliciousness. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy banana bread, or just need a reason to use those ripe bananas on your counter, this indulgent take is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether served warm from the oven, toasted with a pat of butter, or just grabbed by the slice as a quick snack, Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread never disappoints. It’s the ultimate comfort food dessert with a fun, candy-inspired twist—perfect for every sweet craving and every baking occasion.