This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a tasty treat! It’s soft, sweet, and packed with chocolate chips that melt perfectly into the banana goodness.
Baking this bread always fills my kitchen with a delightful smell. I often enjoy it warm, maybe with an extra smear of peanut butter—because why not? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen bananas; just thaw them first and drain excess liquid. The ripeness gives your bread the best flavor!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends well, but if you prefer the crunch, chunky peanut butter works too! For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or tahini!
Butter: While melted butter adds richness, you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep the same measurement.
Sugar: Reducing sugar to 3/4 cup helps if you want less sweetness. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you need gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend—just check the package for measurement adjustments!
How Can I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Mixing your batter well is important, but overmixing can make your banana bread dense. The key here is to gently combine ingredients without stirring too much.
- Start by mixing the banana and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients and only mix until they are just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the flour!
- When folding in the chocolate chips, use a spatula and gently turn the batter rather than stirring aggressively.
Keep an eye on the texture; it should be thick but not overly smooth. This will give you a light, fluffy loaf!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar (or 3/4 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus some time for cooling before you enjoy your yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray so your banana bread will come out easily when it’s baked.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, add the creamy peanut butter and mix until it’s well combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir it together. Next, add in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now, sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture. Give it a gentle stir to combine. After that, add the all-purpose flour. Be careful and mix just until you don’t see any more flour—you don’t want to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
4. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You can save a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top later for a pretty finish!
5. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top to make it extra delicious. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once it’s baked, take the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, share with friends or family, and enjoy your delicious peanut butter chocolate chip banana bread!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! If using natural peanut butter, the consistency may be a bit different since natural peanut butter can be more runny. Just make sure to stir it well to combine the oils before measuring. If it seems too runny, you might want to reduce the melted butter slightly.
How Can I Make This Banana Bread Healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider reducing the sugar to 3/4 cup or substituting with honey or maple syrup. You could also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Just note that whole wheat flour can make the bread a bit denser!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Ripe Bananas?
If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake unripe bananas in their skins at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they turn black and soft. Let them cool before peeling and mashing. This quick method will give you that sweet, soft banana taste you need!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy again!
