This peanut butter chocolate banana bread is everything you love about a classic banana loaf – but with an irresistible twist. The richness of chocolate chips melts into the moist banana base, while swirls of creamy peanut butter take it to the next level of indulgence. Each slice is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with your morning coffee or sneaking a bite for dessert, this loaf won’t last long on the counter. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming it. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite in no time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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2 large eggs
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⅓ cup oil (vegetable or coconut)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easier removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, peanut butter, eggs, oil, both sugars, and vanilla until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
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Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the surface.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 312 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Perfect Marriage of Flavors: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate
Few flavor combinations evoke the comfort of home baking quite like peanut butter, banana, and chocolate. Each ingredient carries a unique nostalgic quality—ripe bananas from grandma’s kitchen, rich chocolate from birthday cakes, and peanut butter from endless school lunch sandwiches. When these three come together in a banana bread, the result is more than just a baked good—it’s a sensory experience. This peanut butter chocolate banana bread brings moistness, sweetness, and a deep, nutty richness in every slice. It’s a loaf that straddles the line between breakfast treat and dessert indulgence.
A Loaf With a Purpose: More Than Just a Sweet Treat
While most people reach for banana bread as a way to use up overripe bananas, this version gives you a reason to let them ripen on purpose. It transforms humble pantry ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. The addition of creamy peanut butter not only enhances the flavor profile but also boosts the protein content slightly, making this banana bread a more satiating option compared to traditional recipes. Chocolate chips add that touch of decadence without making the loaf overly sweet, striking a perfect balance that makes it suitable for all ages.
Texture and Moisture That Lasts for Days
One of the common challenges with quick breads is keeping them moist after baking. This banana bread solves that issue effortlessly. The natural moisture from ripe bananas, combined with oil and peanut butter, creates a tender crumb that doesn’t dry out. The loaf remains soft and flavorful for several days, especially when stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can even warm up slices for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Versatile Enough for Any Occasion
This loaf isn’t just for your weekday breakfast routine—though it excels at that. It also shines on a brunch table next to savory dishes, as an after-school snack for kids, or as a quick dessert when you want something homemade without hours of preparation. Serve it with coffee or tea for guests, wrap it up as a thoughtful homemade gift, or freeze it for those days when your sweet tooth calls and you want something ready to go.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content
One of the beautiful things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Prefer dark chocolate? Swap out the semi-sweet chips for something more intense. Have crunchy peanut butter in the pantry? It’ll add extra texture and nutty depth. You can fold in walnuts for added crunch, swirl in extra peanut butter before baking for visual flair, or even use almond or cashew butter if you’re avoiding peanuts. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and watch this recipe transform into a dietary-friendly delight without sacrificing taste or texture.
Kid-Friendly and School-Lunch Safe
Kids love this loaf, and parents love how easy it is to sneak a bit of nutrition into their diets. The bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium, while the peanut butter brings in healthy fats and protein. Pack a slice in a lunchbox, offer it as an after-school snack, or serve it as a “dessert” that still feels like a healthier choice. You can even make them into muffins for easy portion control and on-the-go convenience.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
This banana bread is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it a staple for meal prep enthusiasts. Once baked and fully cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast, just thaw a slice or pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. It’s perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests. You can also bake two loaves at once and keep one in the freezer to stay one step ahead of your cravings.
A Staple for Every Baker’s Repertoire
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this banana bread recipe is a must-have in your collection. It’s simple enough for beginners, forgiving if you need to make adjustments, and impressive enough to share proudly. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a couple of bowls, a spoon or spatula, and a loaf pan. The reward is a moist, delicious loaf that smells like heaven and tastes even better.
Tips for a Foolproof Bake Every Time
To ensure perfect results, use bananas that are deeply spotted and soft. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the loaf. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and tender. Gently folding in the chocolate chips and not overworking the batter makes all the difference. If you love a pretty top, sprinkle a few chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter across the batter surface before baking—it’ll caramelize slightly and look bakery-worthy when done.
Pairing Ideas to Elevate the Experience
While the bread is delicious on its own, pairing it with other flavors can take it even further. Try serving it warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed breakfast. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream on top transforms the loaf into a rich, indulgent treat. It even pairs wonderfully with black coffee or chai tea, making it a versatile choice for any time of day.
The Science Behind the Flavor Harmony
The beauty of this recipe isn’t just in the taste—it’s in the chemistry of the ingredients working together. Bananas bring natural sweetness and act as a binder. Peanut butter contributes fat, flavor, and a creamy texture, while chocolate adds bitterness and depth that contrast beautifully with the sweet notes. When baked together, these three ingredients balance each other to create a flavor profile that’s rich but not overwhelming, indulgent but not too heavy.
Conclusion: A Loaf That Checks All the Boxes
Peanut butter chocolate banana bread is more than just a variation of a classic—it’s an evolution of it. This loaf combines the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the indulgent richness of chocolate and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing something special for guests, or just craving a slice of something sweet, this bread delivers every single time.
In a world of ever-changing food trends, this recipe holds its own as a timeless, crowd-pleasing favorite. Add it to your regular rotation, experiment with mix-ins and toppings, and most of all—enjoy every moist, flavorful bite.