Few baked goods stir up feelings of comfort and nostalgia like banana bread. It’s one of those timeless treats—warm, moist, and sweet—that brings joy to kitchens all over the world. But what if you could take that familiar loaf and give it an indulgent upgrade? Enter Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread—a soft, moist banana loaf brimming with rich peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and chunks of creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This is banana bread for dessert lovers, peanut butter addicts, and chocolate fanatics alike.
The Magic of Banana Bread
Banana bread has a humble origin story. It rose to popularity in the 1930s when resourceful home cooks found ways to use overripe bananas instead of tossing them. The result? A tender, flavorful loaf that was easy to make, inexpensive, and almost universally loved. Over time, banana bread evolved with countless variations—walnuts, chocolate chips, coconut, or even blueberries. But none are quite as decadent as the version we’re focusing on today.
By combining the creamy richness of peanut butter and the iconic taste of Reese’s, this banana bread becomes more than just a way to use up bananas—it becomes a star of the dessert table.
Ingredients That Make It Special
What sets Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread apart is its carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it:
Ripe Bananas
The backbone of any banana bread, ripe bananas are sweet, flavorful, and moist. The darker the banana skin, the sweeter and more aromatic the banana inside. For this recipe, you’ll want three large, heavily speckled bananas for maximum flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter
Peanut butter not only adds richness and nutty depth to the bread, but it also complements the bananas beautifully. Creamy peanut butter gives the batter a smooth, luscious texture and creates an unforgettable flavor combination with the chocolate elements.
Melted Butter
Melted butter enhances the moistness of the loaf and gives it a soft, tender crumb. It works harmoniously with the peanut butter to create a rich batter without making the loaf too dense.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar gives this banana bread a deeper sweetness than white sugar would. It adds subtle caramel notes and helps retain moisture in the loaf for days.
Eggs and Vanilla
These two standard baking staples bind the batter and bring warmth and balance to the overall flavor.
Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, and Cinnamon
All-purpose flour gives the bread structure, while baking soda helps it rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and cinnamon—though optional—adds a cozy spice note that pairs wonderfully with banana and peanut butter.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips
The stars of the show! Chopped mini Reese’s cups melt into delicious pockets of gooey peanut butter and chocolate, while chocolate chips ensure every bite is a sweet surprise.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread doesn’t stick and lifts out easily after baking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined, then add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your bread tough instead of tender.
- Fold in the Reese’s and Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and speckled with delicious candy chunks. For extra flair, reserve a few pieces of Reese’s to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through.
- Cool and Serve
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, or let it rest overnight for even better flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread stores beautifully:
Room Temperature: Keep it in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to a week, but warm slices before serving for best flavor.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20–30 seconds or let thaw at room temperature.
Why This Recipe Works
This banana bread hits every note:
Moist & Tender: Thanks to mashed bananas, brown sugar, and peanut butter.
Rich in Flavor: The combination of ripe banana, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate creates a depth of flavor that’s far from basic.
Perfectly Sweet: It’s sweet, but not overly sugary—perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Fun & Indulgent: The Reese’s cups make it fun, familiar, and kid-friendly.
Creative Variations
Peanut Butter Swirl
Before baking, drop a few teaspoons of peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect. It adds a beautiful look and boosts the peanut butter flavor.
Muffins Instead of a Loaf
Turn the batter into muffins by dividing it into a lined muffin tin. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. These make great lunchbox snacks or on-the-go treats.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Try a peanut butter streusel topping by mixing 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon cold butter into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top before baking for an irresistible crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Toasted with Butter: Warm slices on a skillet and spread with a pat of butter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
With Ice Cream: Serve a thick slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent dessert.
As French Toast: Dip slices in egg mixture and cook like French toast for an indulgent weekend breakfast.
A Crowd Favorite Every Time
Whether you're baking for a brunch, a potluck, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this banana bread is guaranteed to impress. Its rich flavor, soft crumb, and playful peanut butter-chocolate combo make it a true standout. Even those who don’t usually love banana bread may find themselves reaching for a second slice.
It’s also a fun way to get kids excited about baking. Let them help mash the bananas, stir in the Reese’s, or sprinkle the toppings. You’ll not only create a delicious loaf but also some warm memories in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread takes everything you love about classic banana bread and transforms it into something new and unforgettable. With just a few added ingredients—peanut butter, chocolate chips, and those iconic peanut butter cups—you create a loaf that’s part dessert, part comfort food, and 100% delicious.