Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the ultimate fusion of two classic flavors: creamy peanut butter and sweet, ripe bananas. This easy-to-make bread is soft, moist, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a banana bread fan, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter.
4. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60-65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
• Make it Nut-Free: If you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it altogether.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier version, swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber.
• Add Cinnamon: Spice things up by adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the banana bread in foil and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them before mashing and drain any excess liquid before mixing.
2. Can I make this bread without eggs? Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), or you could use a mashed avocado as an egg substitute.
3. Can I use peanut butter powder? Yes, you can use peanut butter powder, but you will need to mix it with a little bit of water or milk to get the desired consistency for the batter.
4. Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can make this bread up to 2 days ahead of time. Keep it tightly wrapped at room temperature.
5. Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
6. How do I know when the bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
7. Can I substitute other nut butters? Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice.
8. Is the bread sweet enough without added sugar? Yes, the bananas provide natural sweetness. However, if you prefer a sweeter bread, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste.
9. How can I make this bread fluffier? For a fluffier texture, you can sift the dry ingredients before mixing them with the wet ingredients, and be careful not to overmix the batter.
10. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins? Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or other dried fruit into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a simple, yet indulgent treat that combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With its moist texture and rich flavor, this bread is sure to be a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, it’s a recipe that’s hard to beat!

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