There’s banana bread—and then there’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Imagine everything you love about classic banana bread, but elevated with rich, creamy peanut butter and bursts of chocolatey goodness from chopped mini Reese’s cups. It’s the kind of treat that makes the whole kitchen smell like a warm hug.

Whether you’re baking on a slow Sunday morning or looking to impress guests at brunch, this recipe has you covered. It’s approachable, indulgent, and absolutely worth every bite. If you’re someone who always has a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter, this might just become your new favorite way to use them.

Let’s break it all down, so you can bake this like a pro—even if you’re not one yet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This banana bread isn’t just a sweet loaf—it’s an experience. The peanut butter adds creaminess and depth, while the Reese’s cups create little surprise pockets of chocolate and nutty bliss in every slice. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Easy to make: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment.

• Flavor-packed: Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate are a dream team.

• Perfect texture: Moist, tender, and rich without being overly sweet.

• Crowd-pleaser: Great for kids, grown-ups, and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Suitable For

This bread fits into almost any part of your day—or week.

• Breakfast or brunch: Pair with coffee or a glass of milk.

• Afternoon snack: A slice hits the spot when you need a little something.

• Dessert: Warm it up and serve with ice cream for a next-level treat.

• Gifting: Wrap it up and share the love—this loaf travels well and impresses.

Whether you’re baking for yourself or the people you love, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite.

Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Core Ingredients

Each ingredient here plays an important role in building that craveable balance of flavor and texture.

• Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—think brown spots and soft texture. They bring natural sweetness and moisture.

• Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and that signature nutty flavor. Smooth, not chunky, blends best.

• Unsalted butter: Helps create a tender crumb and balances out the saltiness of the peanut butter.

• Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering.

• Eggs: They bind everything together and help with structure.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the loaf—keeps things sturdy but still soft.

• Baking soda: Reacts with the banana and buttermilk for the perfect rise.

• Salt and cinnamon (optional): Enhances and warms up all the flavors.

• Buttermilk: Adds subtle tang and keeps the loaf moist. Regular milk works in a pinch.

• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile.

• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped up for surprise chocolatey bites.

• Chocolate chips (optional): For extra decadence, if you’re feeling it.

Substitutions and Tips

Here’s how to make the recipe flexible for your pantry and preferences:

• No buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes.

• Want to go nut-free? Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the Reese’s.

• Craving more texture? Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or peanuts.

• Need it dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk—just keep an eye on baking time.

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so don’t stress if you’re missing one ingredient—you can still get delicious results.

Best Bananas for Reese’s Banana Bread

Here’s a little baking secret: the uglier the banana, the better the bread. You’re looking for bananas with a soft texture and deep brown or even blackened peels. Why? The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Fast ripening trick: If your bananas aren’t quite ready, pop them (peels on) in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes until the skins turn black and the insides are soft.

Using frozen bananas: Totally doable—just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Too much moisture can throw off your batter’s consistency.

Overripe bananas don’t just work here—they shine. They make the difference between average banana bread and something unforgettable.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive into mixing and baking, let’s make sure you have everything ready. You don’t need a fancy setup or a cabinet full of gadgets—just the basics. But a few extra tools can make the process smoother and more fun.

Must-Have Tools

• Loaf pan (9×5-inch): This is your bread’s home. A metal or glass pan works well—just be sure to grease it or line it with parchment paper.

• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry. Keep it simple.

• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Either works. The mixer will speed things up, but a sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease do the trick too.

• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision helps ensure consistent results.

• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in chopped Reese’s without overmixing the batter.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Parchment paper: Makes for easy cleanup and even easier loaf removal.

• Cooling rack: Helps the bread cool evenly and avoids sogginess on the bottom.

• Toothpick: Your go-to tool for checking doneness without cutting the loaf open.

• Ice cream scoop: If you’re making this into muffins, scooping the batter is a breeze with one of these.

Now that your tools are ready and your kitchen smells like possibility, let’s get to the heart of the recipe.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll be slicing into golden, chocolatey banana bread bliss before you know it.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray—or line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup. Don’t skip this step; it’ll save your loaf from sticking later.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat everything together until it’s smooth, light, and fluffy. This base sets the tone for a tender, flavorful loaf.

Tip: Room temperature butter blends better. If your butter’s still cold, cut it into chunks and microwave it in short bursts until soft—not melted.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla

Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in 2–3 mashed ripe bananas and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The batter might look a little lumpy at this point—don’t worry, that’s totally normal.

Banana tip: If your bananas aren’t super ripe yet, just pop them in the oven (peels on) at 300°F for about 15 minutes. They’ll be perfect.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but adds a cozy flavor note)

This keeps the baking soda from clumping and ensures an even rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar). Start and end with the dry mix. Stir until just combined—you don’t want to overmix or your bread could turn out dense.

Buttermilk bonus: It reacts with the baking soda to give your loaf a nice lift and soft crumb.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Now for the fun part—fold in ½ cup chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and ¼ cup chocolate chips (if using). Stir just until they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.

Chopping tip: Stick the mini Reese’s in the fridge for 10 minutes before chopping. It keeps the chocolate from melting all over your knife.

Step 7: Pour, Bake, and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the texture just right and prevents steam from making the bottom soggy.

Tips for Success

A few extra notes from the test kitchen (aka my cozy little kitchen) to make sure your loaf turns out beautifully every time:

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears—overworking it can lead to a tough texture.

• Use ripe bananas. The darker the peel, the sweeter the banana, and the more flavorful your bread.

• Cool it fully before slicing. It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it cool gives the flavors time to settle and the texture to firm up.

• Store it right. This loaf stays moist for days, especially when wrapped tightly.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself (no judgment—banana bread makes the best midnight snack), these steps will guide you to sweet, chocolatey success. Up next: how to store your leftovers, reheat a slice like it’s fresh out of the oven, and answers to common questions.

How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

You’ve baked it, smelled it, sliced it, maybe even snuck a warm piece before it cooled completely—now what? One of the best things about this banana bread (besides how good it tastes) is how well it keeps. Whether you want to enjoy it over a few days or stash some away for later, here’s how to keep your loaf tasting fresh and delicious.

At Room Temperature

For short-term storage, keep the banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Try not to leave it exposed to air, as it’ll dry out more quickly.

Tip: Slice only what you need and keep the rest of the loaf whole. It helps lock in moisture.

In the Refrigerator

If you need it to last a bit longer, refrigerate the loaf. Wrap it in plastic or place it in a sealed container, and it will stay fresh for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to eat, let a slice come to room temperature—or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth.

Freezing Tips

Yes, this banana bread freezes beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving a few slices for a rainy day, here’s how:

• Slice the cooled loaf.

• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.

• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. For that bakery-fresh experience, warm it up in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Choose one that includes xanthan gum or binding agents for best results. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still get that moist, rich texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you can. If you’re a fan of a little extra texture, crunchy peanut butter works just fine. Just know that the texture will be slightly different—more nutty and rustic, which can be a nice touch.

Can I make this into muffins?

Definitely. Spoon the batter into lined or greased muffin tins, filling each about ¾ of the way full. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. These make great grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem. Combine ½ cup regular milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and you’ve got a homemade substitute that works just as well.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Reese’s Banana Bread recipe, you might enjoy these other comforting and sweet baked treats:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – A rich, layered dessert for true peanut butter lovers.

• Super Moist Banana Bread – A classic version for when you want to keep it simple.

• Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Bars – A chilled, creamy snack with fewer calories.

• Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast – A breakfast treat that’s sweet, rich, and totally decadent.

• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins – A wholesome snack or breakfast bite with similar flavors.

Conclusion

There’s just something about the combination of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate that feels like comfort in every bite. This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a twist on a classic—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors, simple ingredients, and the joy of homemade baking.

Whether you’re sharing it with your family, bringing it to a gathering, or enjoying a quiet slice with your morning coffee, this loaf delivers every time. Don’t forget to save the recipe, share it with a friend, and leave a comment with your own twist or baking story.

You’re only one loaf away from a new favorite. Go ahead—give it a try.

Print