If you adore bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate, you are in for a sensational treat with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe. This unique twist on classic banana bread brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the irresistible chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to create a moist, flavorful bread that feels like a decadent dessert and a comforting snack all at once. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds — or even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is all you need to whip up this delightful loaf. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas to the luscious peanut butter that ties the flavors together, making your baking experience simple yet truly rewarding.
- 4 ripe bananas: Mashed for natural sweetness and moist texture, about 2 cups or 450 grams.
- 3 large eggs: They bind the ingredients and add richness, roughly 150 grams total.
- ½ cup salted butter: Softened to room temperature for creamy texture and a hint of saltiness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Helps balance the flavors and enhance browning.
- â…“ cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the batter with distinctive nuttiness and smoothness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps your banana bread rise perfectly.
- 2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Roughly chopped and divided for bursts of chocolate-peanut deliciousness.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9×5-inch loaf pans by spraying them with a nonstick spray or lining them with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your bread comes out smoothly and looks perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, softened butter, both brown and granulated sugars, and the creamy peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which makes your bread tender and moist.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour and baking soda to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, about one minute. Be careful not to overmix here because you want to maintain the lightness of the batter for a fluffy loaf.
Step 4: Fold in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Now for the fun part — fold in half of your chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. These pieces will melt slightly during baking and add pockets of creamy chocolate and peanut butter in every slice.
Step 5: Bake with Care
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Spread it out gently with a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 6: Baking Perfection
Bake your banana bread for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted inside comes out clean. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, enticing everyone around.
Step 7: Finish with Reese’s on Top
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the warm loaves. The residual heat will slightly melt these topping pieces, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For extra visual appeal and richness, try sprinkling mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top or even drizzle with a little melted peanut butter or chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten up the look without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
This banana bread shines on its own but pairs beautifully with creamy peanut butter spread or a dollop of whipped cream. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee complements the richness perfectly, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thickly and serve warm as a decadent treat, or cut into bite-sized squares for parties and gatherings. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool completely before wrapping your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfectly moist and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe longer, freeze it well wrapped in foil or plastic wrap in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime your sweet tooth calls.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until slightly toasty. This warms up the chocolate and peanut butter just right, reviving that freshly baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture and nuttiness to the bread, which some people love, but the batter might be a touch less smooth.
Do I have to use salted butter?
Salted butter is recommended because it balances the sweetness perfectly, but you can use unsalted butter; just add a pinch of salt to the batter.
Can I make this in a single loaf pan?
Yes, you can bake it in one loaf pan but increase the baking time slightly, checking with a toothpick until it comes out clean, which may take about 65-75 minutes.
Are overripe bananas necessary?
Overripe bananas are ideal because they’re sweeter and mash easily, making your banana bread naturally sweet and moist without needing extra sugar.
Can I substitute Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with another peanut butter candy?
While Reese’s bring a unique flavor and texture, other peanut butter candies can work too. Just keep in mind the flavor profile and sweetness level may change a bit.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe that makes it more than just your ordinary loaf. The perfect combination of bananas, peanut butter, and chunks of iconic Reese’s cups delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy it just as much as I do — it’s one of those treats that always brings a smile and a little bit of happy to the day!
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices (2 loaves)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread combines the classic moist and sweet banana bread with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter cups. Perfectly soft and filled with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this recipe yields two loaves that make an irresistible treat for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 cups or 450 grams)
- 3 large eggs (150 grams)
- ½ cup salted butter, room temperature (1 stick or 113 grams)
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (99 grams)
- â…“ cup creamy peanut butter (90 grams)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
Add-ins
- 2 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, roughly chopped and divided (about 350 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, room temperature butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender. This should take about 1 minute.
- Fold in Peanut Butter Cups: Gently fold in 1 cup of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Add Topping: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the banana bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, top each loaf with the remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups while the bread is still warm so they slightly melt into the surface.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Room temperature ingredients (butter and eggs) ensure better mixing and a lighter batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid tough bread.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; clean or slightly moist crumbs mean it’s done.
- Feel free to substitute salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
- The peanut butter cups add sweetness and texture, so adjust sugar quantity if you want less sweetness.
- Store leftover banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
