This delectable banana bread is a perfect blend of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and chocolatey goodness, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day. With the added crunch of chopped peanut butter cups and mini chocolate chips, this recipe elevates traditional banana bread to a whole new level of indulgence.
Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 60-70 minutes
Total Time : 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings : 10-12 slices
Ingredients :
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions :
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a well-risen loaf. Set the dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving the bread a light texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 4: Add Bananas and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture until well combined. The bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture to the bread. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter
With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups and mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds delightful bursts of chocolate and peanut butter in every slice!
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice that the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Tips:
Store any leftovers 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 slices for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Experiment with mix-ins! Feel free to add chopped nuts, other types of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
