There’s something so comforting about the smell of a freshly baked loaf of Banana Bread filling the kitchen. It’s a classic for a reason. It brings back warm memories and makes any day feel a little cozier.
But what if we took that classic comfort and added a delicious twist? Imagine that familiar sweet banana flavor swirled with creamy peanut butter and dotted with melted chocolate chips. It’s a combination that just works.
This recipe is all about creating that delightful experience. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and gives you a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf every time. Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is one of those Ripe Banana Recipes you will want to keep. It’s so simple to put together. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a couple of bowls and a whisk. It’s a great recipe for beginners.
The flavor is just incredible. The peanut butter adds a savory richness that balances the sweetness of the bananas and maple syrup. And the chocolate chips? They create little pockets of gooey goodness in every slice.
Plus, the texture is spot on. It is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the mashed bananas and a little bit of milk. It’s the kind of treat that stays soft for days. That is, if it even lasts that long!
And let’s talk about looks. The thick swirl of peanut butter frosting on top makes for a seriously good Banana Bread Aesthetic. It looks just as good as it tastes, making it great for sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this recipe. Most of these are probably already in your pantry, which is always a bonus. We have split it into two parts for clarity.
For The Banana Bread
- 3 extra ripe large bananas, mashed (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup dairy free milk of choice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
For The Peanut Butter Frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dairy free milk of choice
Step By Step Instructions
Making this peanut butter Banana Bread is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a warm, delicious loaf ready in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is important so the oven is at the right temperature when your batter is ready. Go ahead and prepare your 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan now too.
Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will act like handles, making it super easy to lift the bread out later. Then, grease the inside of the pan to prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. In it, combine your mashed ripe bananas, the eggs, peanut butter, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and looks fairly smooth.
Step 3: Combine The Dry Ingredients
Now for the dry stuff. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Giving them a quick whisk helps distribute everything evenly. This means no clumps of baking soda!
Next, add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Mix them together until they are just combined. A few little streaks of flour are okay. The key is to not overmix the batter. This keeps your Banana Bread tender and soft.
Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Save a couple of tablespoons for sprinkling on top before it goes into the oven. This makes for a pretty, bakery style top.
Step 4: Time To Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle those remaining chocolate chips over the top. Now it’s ready for the oven!
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Every oven is a bit different, so start checking around the 45 minute mark. You will know it’s done when a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper handles to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. You have to let it cool before frosting!
Step 5: Make The Frosting
Once the bread is cool, it’s time for the best part. The frosting! In the bowl of an electric mixer, or a regular bowl with a hand mixer, add the softened butter and peanut butter. Whip it on high until it’s light and fluffy.
Now, add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Start mixing on a slow speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for about two minutes.
The frosting should be nice and creamy. If it seems a little too thick, add another half tablespoon of milk and beat it again. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Spread this luscious frosting all over the top of your cooled Banana Bread. If you want, you can sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for that finishing touch. This really is the Best Ever Banana Bread.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, storing them is easy. For best results, keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and moist for up to three days.
If you want it to last a bit longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. The container will prevent it from drying out. It will be good for about a week in the fridge. Just let a slice come to room temperature before enjoying.
This Banana Bread also freezes really well. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. It will keep for up to three months.
Tips
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. I’m talking about the ones that are covered in brown and black spots. They are much sweeter and make the bread extra moist. It’s one of the best Ripe Banana Recipes for a reason.
Do not overmix your batter! Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until you no longer see big streaks of flour. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense bread.
Feel free to customize your mix ins. If you are not a fan of chocolate chips, you could use chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips instead. It is your loaf of Banana Bread, so make it your own!
Make sure your butter for the frosting is truly at room temperature. It makes a huge difference in getting that light, fluffy texture. Cold butter will result in a lumpy frosting.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for peanut butter chocolate chip Banana Bread. It is comforting, easy to make, and a total crowd pleaser.
The combination of sweet banana, rich peanut butter, and decadent chocolate is just so satisfying. It’s perfect for a morning treat, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. I really hope you give this one a try.
Baking should be fun and rewarding, and this recipe is definitely both. Enjoy every single bite of what might just be the Best Ever Banana Bread you will make!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you likely can. While I have not tested it with this specific recipe, a good quality all purpose gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum should work well as a one to one substitute.
What Can I Use Instead Of Maple Syrup?
If you do not have pure maple syrup, you can substitute it with a half cup of packed brown sugar or coconut sugar. Honey would also work well if you are not making it vegan.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
It’s very simple to make this dairy free. Just be sure to use a dairy free milk like almond or oat milk and dairy free chocolate chips. For the frosting, use a vegan or dairy free butter substitute.
Can I Make This Vegan?
I have not tried making this version vegan, but I believe it would work. You could try using two flax eggs instead of the regular eggs. A flax egg is one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This straightforward recipe combines the classic comfort of banana bread with creamy peanut butter and delightful chocolate chips for a moist and flavorful loaf. Easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Go ahead and prepare your 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan now too. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will act like handles, making it super easy to lift the bread out later. Then, grease the inside of the pan to prevent any sticking.
- Grab a large bowl. In it, combine your mashed ripe bananas, the eggs, peanut butter, pure maple syrup, 1/3 cup milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and looks fairly smooth.
- Now for the dry stuff. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Giving them a quick whisk helps distribute everything evenly. Next, add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Mix them together until they are just combined. Gently fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips. Save a couple of tablespoons for sprinkling on top before it goes into the oven.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle those remaining chocolate chips over the top. Now it’s ready for the oven! Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You will know it’s done when a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper handles to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. You have to let it cool before frosting!
- Once the bread is cool, it’s time for the best part. The frosting! In the bowl of an electric mixer, or a regular bowl with a hand mixer, add the softened butter and 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Whip it on high until it’s light and fluffy.
- Now, add the powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon milk. Start mixing on a slow speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for about two minutes. The frosting should be nice and creamy. If it seems a little too thick, add another half tablespoon of milk and beat it again. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread this luscious frosting all over the top of your cooled banana bread. If you want, you can sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top for that finishing touch. This really is a delicious banana bread.
Notes
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas. I’m talking about the ones that are covered in brown and black spots. They are much sweeter and make the bread extra moist. It’s one of the best Ripe Banana Recipes for a reason.
Do not overmix your batter! Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until you no longer see big streaks of flour. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense bread.
Feel free to customize your mix ins. If you are not a fan of chocolate chips, you could use chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips instead. It is your loaf of Banana Bread, so make it your own!
Make sure your butter for the frosting is truly at room temperature. It makes a huge difference in getting that light, fluffy texture. Cold butter will result in a lumpy frosting.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
