5-Ingredient Reese’s Banana Bread (Ready in 20!)

Introduction

Transform those overripe bananas into a decadent treat with this ridiculously easy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread! Busy weeknights? No problem. This recipe is designed for speed and deliciousness, perfect for even the most time-constrained cooks. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else) with minimal effort.

Why This Works

This recipe hits the sweet spot between classic banana bread comfort and irresistible peanut buttery indulgence. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and subtly sweet bananas creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, the minimal prep time and simple steps make it a winner for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients

🍌 3 ripe bananas, mashed
🥜 1 cup creamy peanut butter
🍫 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
🥚 2 large eggs
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 ½ cup honey
🥛 ½ cup milk
🥣 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍬 8-10 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
3️⃣ Add the melted butter, honey, eggs, and milk to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Stir in the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
7️⃣ Fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
8️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9️⃣ Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
🔟 Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness.
• If you don’t have honey, you can substitute with granulated sugar.
• For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of honey.
• Don’t overmix the batter, or the bread will be tough.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Check for doneness around 50 minutes; overbaking will dry out the bread. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Crunch Factor

The chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add a delightful textural contrast to the soft and moist banana bread. The crunchy peanut butter and chocolate pieces provide a satisfying bite in every mouthful.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For extra peanut butter flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter extract.
• Use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an even distribution of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the bread.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious salty-sweet contrast.

Storage Tips

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage – wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This banana bread makes a fantastic homemade gift! Wrap the cooled loaf in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon. Add a personalized tag with the recipe name and a heartfelt message. A simple burlap bag with a festive ribbon also makes a charming presentation.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Chocolate Chunk Swirl: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chunks and swirl them into the batter before baking for an extra chocolate hit.
🌟 Salted Caramel: Drizzle melted salted caramel over the cooled bread for an extra layer of decadent sweetness.
🌟 Spiced: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
🌟 Nutty: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Dry Bread: If your bread is dry, you may have overbaked it. Next time, reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness earlier.
• Soggy Bread: If your bread is soggy, you may not have let it cool completely before storing it. Make sure to cool it completely on a wire rack before storing it in an airtight container.
• Uneven Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that the loaf pan is placed in the center of the oven.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips? A: Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips.
• Q: Can I make this bread without Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? A: Yes, you can omit the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups entirely, or substitute with other chopped candies or nuts.
• Q: How long does the bread last? A: Stored properly, this bread will last for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can I freeze this bread? A: Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – quick, easy, and utterly delicious! Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how it turns out on RateMyRecipes.com! Enjoy!