The comforting aroma of bananas, peanut butter, and warm chocolate chips wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the moist sweetness of ripe bananas and the indulgent touch of melty chocolate in every bite.
Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert, this easy-to-make loaf is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. It’s ideal for using up overripe bananas and takes just minutes to whip up with pantry staples. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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Pinch of salt
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
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Stir in the melted butter and peanut butter until well combined.
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Add the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
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Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir in the flour.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
A Comfort Classic with a Twist
Banana bread has long been one of those “go-to” recipes when ripe bananas are sitting on the counter. It’s a recipe that brings back memories of home kitchens, school lunches, and lazy weekend mornings. Adding peanut butter and chocolate chips to the mix elevates this classic into something extra special without making it difficult or fussy.
Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many, and its use here introduces a nutty warmth and richness that complements the banana flavor beautifully. Meanwhile, chocolate chips—semi-sweet or dark, depending on your preference—add complexity and indulgence. The result is a well-balanced loaf that’s sweet but not cloying, rich but not overwhelming.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of this banana bread comes down to the synergy between its main ingredients. Bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness, which allows you to use less refined sugar overall. Peanut butter adds a creamy, slightly salty counterpoint to the sweetness, while the chocolate chips provide an indulgent texture and flavor that takes each slice over the top.
It’s also incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone with years of experience, this recipe welcomes improvisation and small tweaks. Want to toss in some chopped walnuts or swirl in a bit of Nutella? Go for it. Prefer almond butter instead of peanut? It works too. It’s a versatile, reliable recipe that welcomes creativity without sacrificing quality.
Perfect for Every Occasion
One of the joys of this bread is how well it fits into various occasions. It’s a casual treat you can enjoy with coffee or tea. It’s also easy to dress up for brunch spreads or even serve as a rustic dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Because it holds up well, you can bake it ahead for gatherings or slice and freeze portions for an on-the-go snack during the week.
Its homey vibe makes it perfect for gifting as well. Wrapped in parchment and tied with string, a loaf of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread makes a thoughtful and personal homemade present for a neighbor, teacher, or friend in need of a pick-me-up.
Tips for Success
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few small tips can elevate the results from good to unforgettable:
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Use ripe bananas – The riper, the better. They should be heavily speckled or even blackened on the outside. These bananas mash easily and bring an intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.
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Creamy peanut butter works best – Stick to regular creamy peanut butter (not natural varieties) for the best texture and consistency.
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Don’t overmix – When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery loaf.
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Let it cool fully – While it’s tempting to cut into the loaf right out of the oven, allowing it to cool enhances the texture and lets the flavors meld.
Storage and Freezing
This banana bread stores beautifully. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, it can last up to four days at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in parchment and freeze them in a zip-top bag. They can be reheated in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick, satisfying treat anytime.
If you’re meal prepping or batch baking, you can easily double the recipe and freeze a second loaf for later. It’s one of those recipes that tastes just as good after thawing, which isn’t always the case with baked goods.
Health and Nutrition Considerations
While this is definitely a comfort food recipe, it’s worth noting that banana bread made with peanut butter does offer some nutritional benefits. Bananas are high in potassium and fiber, peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and using less sugar than most cakes keeps the sweetness in check. You can even make small adjustments like using whole wheat flour, adding flaxseed, or reducing the sugar slightly for a more wholesome version.
It’s not “health food,” per se, but it can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when made mindfully.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Kids tend to love the flavor combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate—this bread is no exception. It’s great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even as a weekend baking project with young ones. The easy mixing and short ingredient list make it a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen, and the reward is a loaf of golden-brown deliciousness that everyone can enjoy.
It’s also a surefire hit at potlucks, office gatherings, or family brunches. You’ll rarely bring home leftovers, but if you do, people will probably ask for the recipe.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the kind of recipe that blends simplicity with indulgence. It’s warm, comforting, and effortlessly satisfying. With a soft, tender crumb and just the right balance of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors, it’s a modern twist on a beloved classic that belongs in every baker’s rotation.
Whether you’re making it to use up overripe bananas, gifting it to a loved one, or baking simply because you want a slice of something cozy and delicious, this bread never disappoints. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug in every bite—and once you try it, you’ll want to keep a loaf on hand at all times.
Let it be your new baking staple. Because honestly, who can resist the trio of bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate?