Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this peanut butter banana bread recipe, where the rich creaminess of peanut butter meets the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This bread is not only easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone in the family!
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 1 loaf, which can serve about 8 slices. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 50-60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of 1 slice (approximately 70g), this banana bread contains around 180 calories, 8g fat, 24g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 2g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your delicious peanut butter banana bread with a spread of peanut butter or sliced bananas on top!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar to your preference.
Serving and Pairings
This peanut butter banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top, or served alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas will result in less sweetness.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture.
- Not greasing the pan properly may cause sticking.
- Checking for doneness too early can lead to undercooked bread.
- Adding too much flour can dry out the bread.
- Skipping the cooling time can make slicing difficult.
Helpful Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Store leftover bread in the fridge for extended freshness.
- Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Try adding a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar to peanut butter for best results.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a vegan-friendly sugar for a plant-based option.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your banana bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing. Ensure to mix just until combined and check your measurements for accuracy.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great idea! Fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a delicious treat.
Conclusion
This peanut butter banana bread recipe is not just a delicious treat; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, it’s a perfect way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your delicious peanut butter banana bread with a spread of peanut butter or sliced bananas on top!
