Indulge in the ultimate treat with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Combining the classic flavors of banana bread with the irresistible taste of Reese’s cups, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to create a delicious loaf that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium-sized bananas)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 28 mini Reese’s cups, divided
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 loaf pan with baking spray and set aside.
Prepare the Reese’s cups: Remove the wrappers from 22 mini Reese’s cups and cut them into quarters. Place them in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of flour and gently toss to coat. Cut the remaining 6 Reese’s cups in half and set aside in another small bowl.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mix the batter: Add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture alternately, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Fold in Reese’s cups: Using a spatula, gently fold the quartered mini Reese’s cups into the batter.
Prepare for baking: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange the remaining halved mini Reese’s cups on top of the batter for presentation.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the bread at 45 minutes, and if it’s browning too much, lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for another hour. Slice and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 min | Cooking Time: 60-70 min | Total Time: 3 hr | Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: This bread is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven or gently reheated. The Reese’s cups will be melty and delicious.
- Pair with Beverages: Enjoy a slice with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a warm cup of tea.
- Add Toppings: Enhance each slice with a spread of creamy peanut butter, Nutella, or a simple pat of butter.
- Dessert Option: For a decadent dessert, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Breakfast Treat: Pair a slice with fresh fruit and yogurt for a satisfying breakfast.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bread in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This helps preserve the moisture and flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow the bread to thaw first before warming.
These tips ensure you enjoy the best flavors and textures of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread, whether you’re serving it immediately or saving it for later!
Variations:
- Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Banana Bread: Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can also add chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
- Healthier Option: Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This reduces the fat content and increases the fiber.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter on top of the batter in the loaf pan. Use a knife to swirl the peanut butter into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Cinnamon Spice Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced flavor that complements the banana and peanut butter.
- White Chocolate Banana Bread: Replace the Reese’s cups with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile that’s sweet and creamy.
- Berry Banana Bread: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) into the batter for a fruity variation.
- Coconut Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist that pairs well with the banana flavor.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread: Replace 1/2 cup of the flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture and a boost of fiber.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among mini loaf pans and bake for 25-30 minutes to create individual servings. These make great gifts or convenient snacks.
- Caramel Banana Bread: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the batter before baking and swirl it in for a sweet and gooey addition.
- Pumpkin Banana Bread: Substitute 1/2 cup of mashed banana with 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients for a seasonal twist.
- Almond Joy Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, 1/2 cup of chopped almonds, and use dark chocolate chips instead of Reese’s cups for a flavor reminiscent of Almond Joy candy bars.
- S’mores Banana Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows along with chocolate chips to give the bread a s’mores-inspired flavor.
- Maple Bacon Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup of maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.
Experiment with these variations to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Each twist offers a unique flavor profile, making this versatile recipe a delightful treat for any occasion!
FAQs:
- Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe? Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the bread.
- Can I use regular-sized Reese’s cups instead of mini ones? Yes, you can use regular-sized Reese’s cups. Simply chop them into smaller pieces and follow the recipe as directed.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Can I use a different type of nut butter? Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
- Can I add other mix-ins to the batter? Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the bread is done. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free.
- How should I store the banana bread? Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Make sure to use two separate loaf pans and bake them together, adjusting the baking time as needed.
- What’s the best way to mash bananas? Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth with small lumps. You can also use a blender or food processor for a smoother texture.
These FAQs should help address any questions you may have while preparing and enjoying your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and rich peanut butter with the indulgent sweetness of Reese’s cups, creating a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a household favorite. Enjoy every slice of this irresistible twist on classic banana bread!