Introduction
Transform those overripe bananas and a jar of peanut butter into a decadent, irresistible treat! This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Extravaganza is the perfect quick bread for busy weeknights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to wow your family with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ready in under an hour!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it cleverly combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich, salty indulgence of peanut butter and the iconic chocolatey crunch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s a flavor explosion that’s unbelievably simple to make, requiring no special skills or fancy equipment. Perfect for beginner bakers and busy professionals alike!
Key Ingredients
🍌 3 ripe bananas, mashed
🥜 1 cup creamy peanut butter
🍫 1 cup granulated sugar
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍫 1 cup all-purpose flour
🍫 ½ cup 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. This is crucial for easy removal later!
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. The riper, the better!
3️⃣ Add the peanut butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
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 Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
7️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8️⃣ Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for quicker combining of ingredients.
- For extra moist banana bread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
- Don’t overbake! Overbaked banana bread will be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even baking and prevents burning. Lowering the temperature might result in a denser, less evenly cooked loaf. Conversely, increasing it might lead to burning on the outside before the center is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
The chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups provide a wonderful textural contrast to the moist banana bread. The creamy peanut butter and the crunchy chocolate pieces create layers of deliciousness in each bite!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra intense peanut butter flavor, use a combination of creamy and crunchy peanut butter.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the loaf before baking for a delicious salty-sweet contrast.
- Use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for even distribution throughout the bread.
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 – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This banana bread makes a fantastic homemade gift! Wrap the cooled loaf in cellophane or parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and add a personalized gift tag. A simple reusable cloth bag also makes a charming presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
🌟 Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Salted Caramel: Drizzle melted salted caramel sauce over the cooled loaf.
🌟 Oatmeal Crunch: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the batter for added texture.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Bread: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Slightly Soggy Center: Your oven temperature might have been too low.
- Tough Bread: You may have overmixed the batter, resulting in gluten development. Mix only until combined.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, but thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.
- Can I substitute the peanut butter? Almond butter or sunflower seed butter would work, but the flavor will be different.
- Can I make this in a muffin tin? Yes, reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes.
- How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.
Conclusion
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Extravaganza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its simple preparation and irresistible flavor make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy every delicious bite!
5-Ingredient Reese's Banana Bread (Ready in 20!)
A quick and easy banana bread recipe that incorporates the delicious flavors of Reese's peanut butter cups.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, peanut butter, eggs, and sugar until well combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate peanut butter.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.