If you’re anything like me, the moment rich peanut butter and sweet bananas team up in a comforting loaf, it’s pure magic. This Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe is not just any banana bread; it’s a luscious blend of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and melty chocolate chips, making every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast bite, an indulgent snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe promises moist, flavorful slices that fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma and your heart with happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet their combination creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each plays an essential role in making this peanut butter banana bread moist, flavorful, and perfectly tender.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of your bread, giving structure without weighing it down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Overripe bananas (3 mashed): Naturally sweet and moist, these bananas are the star that adds richness and body.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds a smooth, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Deep molasses notes that add warmth and a slightly chewy texture.
- Buttermilk (1/4 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle tang.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft day after day.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts flavor with its sweet and aromatic essence.
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Little pockets of melty chocolate bursting with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper, which makes removing the bread a breeze and helps keep the loaf intact and looking perfect.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting a solid base for your bread’s texture and rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, mash those golden, overripe bananas until luscious and smooth. Add creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until your batter looks silky and fully combined. The peanut butter adds a nutty creaminess that blends incredibly with the natural sweetness from bananas and sugars.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet bowl, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. The key here is to fold until just combined—no overmixing! You want to see no streaks of flour, but keeping some air in the batter is crucial for the perfect rise and tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed. These little gems are the treat that elevates this peanut butter banana bread perfectly, offering sweet bursts amidst every moist bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it up about two-thirds full, then smooth the top with the back of a spoon. If you like, sprinkle a handful of extra chocolate chips on top for a visually delightful finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, keeping an eye on it as ovens can vary. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it and transfer the loaf to a wire rack so it can cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows the flavors to settle beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Serve slices with a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a few chocolate chips on top makes a simple presentation look tempting and appetizing.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mug of warm milk. For a brunch spread, complement it with fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance the richness of the loaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices into decadent French toast, topping them with whipped cream and fresh berries for a special breakfast. Or toast and spread a little nut butter on top for a quick snack with a double dose of peanut flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut butter banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or by placing slices in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices slightly in the microwave or toaster oven for about 15 to 20 seconds to revive that freshly baked feel. It’s even better when topped with a bit of butter or peanut butter!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but it can be a bit runnier, so ensure you mix the batter gently and check the consistency before baking.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
Yes! Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works perfectly to give that slight tang and tender texture.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Of course! Regular-sized chocolate chips will work fine, though the distribution will be a little different. They’ll melt into delightful pockets, just bigger bites of chocolate.
Is it necessary to use overripe bananas?
For the best flavor and moisture, overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and softer. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can speed the ripening by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for buttermilk, and choose vegan peanut butter and chocolate chips. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Making this Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug through food. It’s straightforward, incredibly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you’re an avid baker or just looking for a sweet, wholesome treat, this recipe is one to keep close. Grab those ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips, and get ready to create something truly special that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing. Enjoy every slice!
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Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it features a tender crumb studded with mini semisweet chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence. Made with simple pantry staples and baked to golden perfection, this loaf offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy peanut butter and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Fold the ingredients together carefully, avoiding overmixing, until no dry flour streaks remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips. Add and fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it about two-thirds full. Spread the batter evenly with the back of a spoon and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake the Bread. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Monitor baking time closely, as oven temperatures may vary.
- Cool Before Serving. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious peanut butter banana bread!
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Room temperature eggs help to better incorporate into the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Check the bread a few minutes early to prevent overbaking, as oven temperatures vary.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with natural or crunchy varieties based on preference.
- Add chopped nuts (like walnuts) for additional texture and flavor if desired.
