If you’re a fan of moist banana bread, rich peanut butter, and gooey chocolate chips, this recipe is your new best friend! Combining the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips creates a loaf that’s pure magic.
Whether you’re making it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat to share, this banana bread delivers cozy, homemade satisfaction in every slice. Perfectly balanced in sweetness, texture, and flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this combination sooner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is more than just your average banana bread — it’s a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite! The creamy peanut butter blends seamlessly with the naturally sweet bananas, while the chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of bliss. The texture is perfectly moist, tender, and slightly dense, which makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or slightly toasted with a smear of extra peanut butter, this loaf tastes like a warm hug. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the batter comes together in one bowl, meaning minimal mess and maximum flavor. If you’re craving a cozy bake that balances sweetness, nuttiness, and chocolatey goodness, this recipe checks every box.
Make-Ahead Tips
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a fantastic make-ahead recipe that stores beautifully. Once baked, let the loaf cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week for a slightly firmer texture.
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual portions by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous guests, so you’ll always have a slice of homemade goodness ready to go!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup melted butter or neutral oil
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions (Detailed)
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Mix Wet Ingredients
Add peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Make the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread light and tender.
Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for a beautiful finish.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Making a Better Recipe
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The darker and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas offer the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Stir just until the flour disappears to avoid a dense or rubbery loaf.
- Customize Chocolate: Mix in dark, milk, or even peanut butter chips for variety.
- Add Texture: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts into the batter or on top before baking.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 55 minutes with a toothpick.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temp eggs and butter helps the batter mix evenly.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes! Natural peanut butter works, but make sure it’s well-stirred to prevent oily or dry spots in your loaf.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Can I substitute the sugar?
You can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, but reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake — easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet bananas, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips guarantees that every slice is packed with irresistible flavor.
Whether you enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. With make-ahead convenience and customizable options, it’s a foolproof treat you’ll return to again and again. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!