Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and banana with the irresistible crunch of Reese’s cups. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Its moist texture and delicious taste make it a standout choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, bananas, and Reese’s cups creates a flavor explosion that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even dessert — it’s delicious any time of day!
• Moist Texture: The addition of Greek yogurt keeps the bread incredibly moist, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes two loaves, making it great for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pans (9 x 5 or 8 x 4-inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures ingredients are mixed thoroughly and quickly, resulting in a light and fluffy batter.
• Measuring cups: Provides accurate measurements for each ingredient, which is crucial for baking success.
• Mixing bowls: Keeps your workspace organized while allowing you to mix ingredients effectively.
• Cooling rack: Allows proper air circulation around the bread after baking, preventing sogginess.

 

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs

For the Flour Mixture

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

For Flavor & Texture

• 4 small ripe bananas (mashed [about 1 1/2 cup])
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups chopped Reese’s cups

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two non-stick metal loaf pans by spraying them with baking spray or greasing them with butter and dusting with flour.

Step 2: Cream Peanut Butter Mixture

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Increase the speed of the mixer and beat for about 30 seconds until the mixture turns light beige in color. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Yogurt

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add in the self-rising flour alternately with Greek yogurt. Begin and end with flour. Mix just until fully combined while scraping down any flour stuck on the bottom or sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas & Reese’s Cups

Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups by hand until they are evenly incorporated into the batter.

Step 7: Divide Batter into Pans

Use a measuring cup to evenly divide your batter between the two prepared loaf pans.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. After this time, check for browning; if necessary, cover lightly with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Complete Baking

Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let your loaves cool in their pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be enhanced with different toppings and pairings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Bananas – Add fresh banana slices on top for an extra fruity touch.
• Berries – Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and tartness.

With Spreads

• Chocolate Spread – Slather some chocolate spread on top for a rich and indulgent treat.
• Honey or Maple Syrup – Drizzle honey or maple syrup for added sweetness and stickiness.

As French Toast

• French Toast Style – Dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry them for a delightful breakfast twist.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the warm bread perfectly.
• Peanut Butter Ice Cream – For peanut butter lovers, try pairing it with peanut butter ice cream.

How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Making the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread requires some tips to ensure the best flavor and texture. Follow these suggestions for a delicious result.

• Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the bread fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
• Check Doneness Early – Start checking the bread around 35 minutes to prevent overbaking; every oven is different.
• Cool Properly – Allow it to cool in the pan before moving it to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bread.
2. Cottage Cheese – High in protein, cottage cheese makes a delightful savory contrast.
3. Mixed Nuts – A handful of nuts offers crunch and complements the soft texture of the bread.
4. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness that pairs well with the richness of banana bread.
5. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal serves as a hearty side that complements sweet flavors beautifully.
6. Herbal Tea – Sip on herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a soothing drink that goes well with dessert-style breads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Always use standard measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping ripeness of bananas: Using unripe bananas won’t provide the desired sweetness. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
• Neglecting oven temperature calibration: An incorrect oven temperature can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate heat levels.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked bread. Always check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they incorporate into the batter. Allow them to reach room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy access and freshness.

Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Freeze slices separately to make thawing easier.
• Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your bread.

How ripe should my bananas be?

Aim for bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots; this ensures maximum sweetness and moisture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips.

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if the bread is fully baked.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or any non-dairy yogurt as an alternative in this recipe without affecting flavor significantly.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert. You can even customize it by adding different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every slice!