Are you a fan of banana bread? Do you crave the rich, chocolaty taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups? If so, you’re in for a mouthwatering treat! This Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread recipe combines the timeless comfort of moist banana bread with the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate. Whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this indulgent loaf will leave everyone begging for more.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Reese’s peanut butter banana bread from scratch. We’ll cover everything from ingredients and baking tips to storage ideas and creative variations—all optimized for readability and SEO.
Why You’ll Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Combining ripe bananas with peanut butter and chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups transforms traditional banana bread into something truly extraordinary. This bread is:
- Moist and flavorful with a nutty twist
- Loaded with Reese’s mini peanut butter cups for chocolaty goodness
- Perfectly sweet, without being overly rich
- Great for sharing or gifting
This recipe is especially ideal if you have overripe bananas on hand and are looking for something fun and unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the ultimate Reese’s peanut butter banana bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2–3 very ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups (mini or regular size)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooey texture)
Topping (optional but recommended):
- Extra chopped Reese’s for the top
- A swirl of peanut butter or drizzle of chocolate ganache
Equipment You’ll Need
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium bowl (for dry ingredients)
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Loaf pan (9x5 inch preferred)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. The more ripe and spotty your bananas are, the sweeter and moister your bread will be.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
Step 6: Fold in Reese’s and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and chocolate chips (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour and Decorate
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chopped Reese’s on top, or swirl a tablespoon of peanut butter into the batter’s surface for a bakery-style presentation.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little chocolate on the toothpick is okay, but no raw batter). If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy once fully cooled—or while slightly warm and melty!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Reese’s Banana Bread
- Use overripe bananas – The browner, the better. They’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don't overmix – Stir just until ingredients are incorporated to keep the bread soft.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and help the batter rise uniformly.
- Add a swirl of peanut butter to the top before baking for extra visual and flavor appeal.
- Chill Reese’s cups before chopping to prevent them from melting too soon into the batter.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Extend freshness by storing it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm slice.
Freezer:
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the oven.
Delicious Variations
Want to make it your own? Try one of these fun ideas:
- Add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Make it double chocolate by swapping ¼ cup of flour for cocoa powder.
- Go mini! Make individual muffins by baking in a muffin tin for 20–25 minutes.
- Layered loaf: Add a ribbon of peanut butter or Nutella in the center for a surprise filling.
Pairing Suggestions
This indulgent banana bread is satisfying on its own but even better with:
- A cold glass of milk
- A hot cup of coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream for dessert
- A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but note that natural peanut butter is runnier and separates easily, which may affect the texture. Stir it well and reduce the melted butter slightly to compensate.
What if I don’t have Reese’s cups?
No problem! Substitute with peanut butter chips, chopped chocolate, or even swirl in Nutella or Biscoff spread for a delicious twist.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), use plant-based butter, and make sure your chocolate is dairy-free.
Final Thoughts: A Dessert Worth Sharing
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a game-changing treat that blends the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the beloved flavor of Reese’s candies. With its soft texture, peanut buttery richness, and pockets of melty chocolate, it’s an instant hit for any occasion—potlucks, holidays, or even weekday cravings.