Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of rich peanut butter, sweet bananas, and luscious chocolate chips. This moist and flavorful quick bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying snack. It’s a treat that combines the best of all worlds, making it a favorite for many.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4 1/2×8 1/2-inch loaf pan thoroughly.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. Whisk in the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the granulated sugar.
3. Incorporate Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk. Add this to the banana mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: To the banana-peanut butter mixture, add baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Mix well. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices per loaf)
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 5g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless banana bread variations, but this version stands out due to its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Perfectly Moist and Soft: The mashed bananas keep the bread tender and naturally sweet, while the peanut butter adds extra moisture and richness.
• Easy to Make: This is a simple one-bowl recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras like nuts, coconut, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Bananas provide potassium and fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a special event, a cozy family breakfast, or meal prepping for the week, this bread fits every situation.

History of Banana Bread

Banana bread first gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s. As people sought ways to reduce food waste, overripe bananas became an ingredient of choice for baking. With the introduction of baking powder and baking soda, banana bread recipes flourished, becoming a staple in American households. Over the years, variations of banana bread emerged, incorporating ingredients like nuts, spices, and chocolate. Peanut butter, a widely loved ingredient, naturally complements the sweetness of bananas, making it an excellent addition. Combining these elements with chocolate chips brings out a balanced blend of flavors that appeal to all ages.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

To make sure your banana bread turns out perfect every time, consider these tips:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with dark brown spots on the peel.
• Choose High-Quality Peanut Butter: Use creamy, natural peanut butter for a rich, nutty taste. If using sweetened peanut butter, slightly reduce the sugar in the recipe.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the ingredients until just combined to prevent a dense or tough texture.
• Use Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They balance the sweetness of the bananas without overpowering the flavors.
• Let it Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool helps it set properly, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to experiment with this recipe, here are some fun variations to try:

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Healthier Swap: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Sweetness: Drizzle melted chocolate or honey on top after baking.

How to Store and Serve

Proper storage ensures your banana bread remains fresh and flavorful:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to a week when stored in the fridge.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

To serve, you can enjoy the bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can also toast a slice and spread some extra peanut butter on top for a more indulgent treat.

Fun Fact About Peanut Butter and Banana

The combination of peanut butter and banana has been a favorite for decades, with even celebrities like Elvis Presley known for their love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. This flavor pairing not only tastes amazing but also provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making it a satisfying and energizing choice. Adding peanut butter and chocolate chips takes the traditional banana bread to a whole new level, enhancing both the texture and taste. This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a balance of nutty, chocolaty, and fruity flavors in one baked good.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves comforting, homemade baked goods. Its combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and melty chocolate chips creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether you bake it for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of deliciousness!