Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is one of those dreamy loaf cakes that instantly guarantees smiles all around. Imagine super-moist banana bread taken to new heights with rich, creamy peanut butter and chunks of sweet Reese’s cups scattered throughout. Every bite is loaded with nutty sweetness, fudgy candy pockets, and that unmistakable aroma of home-baked comfort—friends and family will be hooked from the first slice. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a special snack, or dessert, this is the kind of treat that always disappears fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread comes from everyday ingredients that combine for something truly special. Each element plays a role, from moisture and richness to that signature chocolate-peanut butter pop.

• Smooth Peanut Butter: Delivers a creamy, nutty backbone and pairs perfectly with sweet banana.
• Butter, softened: Adds that classic richness and ensures your bread bakes up soft and tender.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash brings welcome warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that golden exterior.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: Supplies extra moisture and a gentle caramel undertone.
• Large Eggs: These bind everything together while delivering structure and lift.
• Self-Rising Flour: Provides the perfect rise without extra measuring fuss, keeping the loaf light.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Secret weapon for ultimate moistness—plus a touch of tang.
• Small Ripe Bananas, mashed: Overripe is best for maximum flavor and sweetness—don’t be shy with the spots!
• Chopped Reese’s Cups: The star mix-in, ribboning each slice with gooey chocolate and peanut butter candy bites.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Set the stage for perfect loaves by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab two non-stick loaf pans (9×5 or 8×4 inches work great) and either spray them with baking spray or go the classic route: a touch of butter and a dusting of flour to prevent sticking. Getting the pans ready before you start mixing ensures a smooth, stress-free baking experience.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using an electric mixer, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Beat this luscious mixture on medium for about two minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and fragrant. This creaming process is the secret to that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want in Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Step 3: Add the Sugars

Pour in both the granulated and brown sugars, then beat the mixture again on medium-high for another two minutes. You’ll see it get creamy and pale—just the right base for binding all that banana and candy magic together later.

Step 4: Mix in the Eggs

Next up: eggs! Crack them in, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep everything silky and uniform. Once all eggs are incorporated, turn the speed up and beat for about 30 seconds—the mixture should get even lighter, taking on a soft beige color. Make sure to scrape down the bowl occasionally to catch every bit.

Step 5: Alternate Flour and Yogurt

Turn the mixer speed down low and add the self-rising flour in thirds, alternating with scoops of Greek yogurt. Start and finish with the flour. Go slow and steady here—stop as soon as the last bit is mixed in to keep your bread tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Mash, Fold, and Add the Fun Stuff

Switch to a spatula and fold in the mashed bananas along with the chopped Reese’s cups. Gently stir just until the goodies are evenly speckled throughout—overmixing is the only enemy here. You’re now looking at the prettiest, most tempting batter!

Step 7: Bake!

Evenly divide the batter between your two prepared pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 35 minutes, then check the tops—if they’re browning a bit too quickly, lay a piece of foil gently over each loaf for the remainder of the baking time. Continue baking until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (usually another 10–15 minutes, depending on your oven).

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle extra chopped Reese’s cups or a drizzle of warm peanut butter across each slice. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a few banana slices can add a touch of elegance to this playful treat.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt. If you’re serving brunch, consider fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance all that delightful richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking slices and sticking mini Reese’s cups between them for a layered dessert, or toast a thick slice and top with ice cream for an indulgent twist. Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread also makes adorable individual treats when baked in muffin tins—perfect for sharing at a party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread moist and delicious, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For maximum freshness, keep your loaf away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

This bread is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap individual slices or full loaves tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight at room temperature—nothing beats having this on hand for surprise cravings.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly. The Reese’s cups will get perfectly melty, and the crumb will taste almost as fresh as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of crunch and extra texture to the final bread. If you love nutty bits in your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, this swap is a delicious option.

Can I make this recipe with regular flour instead of self-rising?

You can substitute all-purpose flour if you add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of flour. This ensures Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread rises beautifully.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Overripe bananas are easiest to mash—a fork or potato masher works perfectly. Go for a mostly smooth mixture with a few small lumps for added texture in your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Can I use other candies instead of Reese’s cups?

You can substitute other chocolate-peanut butter candies, peanut butter chips, or even mini chocolate chips. However, classic Reese’s cups give the bread its signature flavor and gooey pockets.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If there’s wet batter, continue baking and check again in five-minute intervals.

Final Thoughts

If you love peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas, you absolutely need to try Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. This recipe delivers comforting nostalgia with a fun, candy-filled twist—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because. Happy baking!

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