This Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is pure heaven for anyone who can’t resist the magical combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Imagine deeply moist, banana-rich slices, generously studded with chopped Reese’s cups, and kissed with a creamy, nutty swirl. With each bite, you’ll get the nostalgic comfort of homemade banana bread, plus an irresistible upgrade from those iconic flavors. Whether served for breakfast, a snack, or a sneaky late-night treat, this loaf is about to become your new go-to indulgence!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are—each one brings its own touch of flavor, texture, or color, creating a mind-blowing final product that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread:

Smooth peanut butter: Adds an unmistakable rich, nutty note and keeps the bread ultra-moist and tender.
Butter (softened): Helps create a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a slightly salty, buttery finish.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash infuses the whole loaf with cozy depth and warmth.
Granulated sugar: Lends structure and classic sweetness that balances the peanut butter.
Light brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel notes and even more softness, thanks to molasses.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the loaf its rise.
Self rising flour: Delivers an easy, fluffy lift without fussing over extra leaveners.
Plain Greek yogurt: The secret ingredient for unbeatable moisture and a slight tanginess.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The foundation’s sweetness and luscious texture—make sure they’re spotty and fragrant!
Chopped Reese’s cups: The star of the show, these gooey pockets of peanut butter and chocolate take your banana bread to dreamy new heights.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F, so it’s fully preheated and ready by the time your batter is mixed. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of two standard loaf pans—either 9 x 5 inches or 8 x 4 inches—with baking spray or a classic butter and flour combo. This super important step ensures your gorgeous Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread slips easily out after baking without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Vanilla

Grab your trusty electric mixer and cream the smooth peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla together for a solid two minutes on medium-high speed. You’re looking for a mixture that gets fluffy and light as air—this helps create a soft and dreamy crumb later.

Step 3: Sweeten Up the Base

Add both sugars to the creamed mixture and beat on medium-high again for another two minutes. The mixture should become beautifully thick and well combined, helping to set the stage for a sturdy yet moist loaf. Don’t rush this step; the sugars need that time to fully blend and aerate.

Step 4: Add Eggs for Structure

Drop in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all four eggs are in, give the mixture an extra 30 seconds at a higher speed. You’ll notice the batter turning a lovely pale beige. Stop and scrape the sides throughout—nobody wants unmixed bits lurking in their finished bread!

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low and start adding the self rising flour, alternating with scoops of Greek yogurt. It’s key to begin and end with flour, which helps maintain structure. Take your time and don’t overmix once everything is added—just blend until you can’t see streaks. This protects the bread’s Tender, springy character.

Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s Cups

Swap to a spatula and gently fold in your mashed bananas and all those glorious Reese’s cups. Mix just enough until everything is evenly dispersed—the less stirring, the better for that perfectly moist texture. This is when Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread magic happens!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops for even baking. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake until golden, risen, and a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs—usually around 50-60 minutes. Let the loaves cool in the pans for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling completely. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or go all out with a drizzle of slightly melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce. For special gatherings, I love topping slices with extra chopped Reese’s cups or a handful of chocolate chips—the more indulgent, the better!

Side Dishes

This bread is outrageously good with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla latte. For brunch, pair thick slices with crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. Even a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream alongside warm Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is pure decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, cut the loaf into cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks for bite-sized treats. It also makes a fantastic base for bread pudding or trifle—just layer slices with whipped cream and extra candies for a show-stopping dessert. Don’t forget to wrap up a mini loaf and share with a friend for an unexpected, thoughtful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread tasting bakery-fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm, consider refrigerating—just bring slices back to room temperature (or warm them up!) for that perfect soft texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to stash away a loaf for future cravings. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months. You can freeze entire loaves or pre-slice for grab-and-go convenience!

Reheating

For the ultimate treat, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warm. The chocolate pockets soften, the peanut butter gets melty, and the banana aroma intensifies—seriously, there’s nothing more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add little bursts of nutty crunch throughout your Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Just know the texture will be slightly less uniform but just as delicious.

What if I only have all-purpose flour?

If you don’t have self rising flour, substitute with all-purpose and add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of flour. This will keep your bread perfectly fluffy and moist.

Can I use other candies instead of Reese’s cups?

While Reese’s cups are the star, you can get creative with other chocolate-peanut butter candies or even chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Try mixing different add-ins for your own signature twist!

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted near the center will come out mostly clean, with a couple of moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking or the bread could dry out rather than stay luscious and soft.

Can I make this recipe in a single large loaf instead of two?

If you’re using a single larger loaf pan, increase the baking time and check for doneness with a tester. The middle can take longer to set, so tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Final Thoughts

If you love the classic combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is truly a must-bake. Each bite is packed with comfort and nostalgia—with a peanut buttery upgrade that just can’t be beat. Make a loaf (or two) and share the joy with family, friends, or just your own taste buds. You’re going to love every morsel!