Rich Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread started taking shape one quiet afternoon when my husband noticed a bowl of overripe bananas on the counter and suggested they deserved better than the compost. The house was calm that day, with rain tapping lightly against the windows and my granddaughter at the table sorting through her school papers.

She kept sneaking glances at the candy jar, hoping I would reach for it, and that small moment nudged the idea in a sweeter direction. Peanut butter was already out from lunch, and the thought of blending it with banana felt like a natural step rather than a plan.

As I measured and mixed, my daughter called to say she would stop by later with my grandson after soccer practice. The smell of butter and peanut butter creaming together filled the kitchen, steady and familiar.

Bananas mashed easily, their sweetness deepened by time, while chopped Reese’s cups waited on the side like a quiet promise. Baking days often unfold this way in my home, shaped by who might walk through the door and what ingredients are already close at hand.

By the time the loaves were in the oven, the house felt warmer and more alive. Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread cooled on the counter as the grandchildren arrived, drawn immediately by the scent drifting through the rooms. Slices were cut once the loaves had rested, and the table filled with conversation, crumbs, and contented silence in between. Simple baking like this has a way of settling everyone into the moment.

Short Description

Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a moist, tender loaf made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Key Ingredients

• 3 cups self rising flour
• 1½ cups ripe mashed bananas
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup butter softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup Greek yogurt

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 2 metal loaf pans
• Cooling rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of two non stick metal loaf pans with baking spray or butter and flour them lightly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat on medium high speed for 2 minutes until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter should look smooth and slightly fluffy at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Yogurt
Lower the mixer speed. Add the self rising flour alternately with the Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until incorporated. If the batter looks too thick, stop mixing and scrape the bowl before continuing.

Step 5: Fold in Bananas and Reese’s
Using a spatula, gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped Reese’s cups until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 6: Divide the Batter
Use a measuring cup to divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops lightly.

Step 7: Bake
Place the pans in the center of the oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist texture from bananas and yogurt

Rich peanut butter flavor throughout

Balanced sweetness without being overwhelming

Makes two loaves for sharing or freezing

Familiar ingredients with a fun twist

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the Batter
Too much mixing can lead to dense bread.
Solution: Mix only until ingredients are just combined.

Using Underripe Bananas
Firm bananas lack sweetness and moisture.
Solution: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Overbaking
Extended baking dries out the loaf.
Solution: Check for doneness at 55 minutes and tent loosely if browning too quickly.

Uneven Pan Filling
One loaf may bake faster than the other.
Solution: Measure batter carefully to divide evenly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve thick slices slightly warm

Pair with coffee or cold milk

Add fresh fruit on the side

Present sliced on a breakfast or dessert board

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store wrapped at room temperature for 2 days

Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months

Warm gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of self rising flour?
Yes, add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt per cup of flour.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce each sugar by ¼ cup with minimal texture change.

3. Is chunky peanut butter suitable?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly.

4. Can I make this as muffins?
Yes, bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This usually happens from overmixing or underbaking.

Tips & Tricks

Mash bananas thoroughly for even texture.

Chop Reese’s cups finely for better distribution.

Let the bread cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Swirl Version
Swirl ½ cup melted chocolate into the batter before baking. Gently fold once or twice, then bake as directed for a marbled effect.

Nutty Crunch Option
Add ¾ cup chopped roasted peanuts when folding in the bananas for extra texture.

Healthier Swap
Replace half the butter with applesauce and use reduced sugar for a lighter loaf.

Mini Loaf Style
Divide batter into four mini loaf pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels generous and satisfying. Baking it fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation, the kind that draws people closer before the first slice is even cut. Each loaf carries the sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of peanut butter without feeling heavy.

Sharing Reeses Peanut Butter Banana Bread has become an easy way to mark ordinary days with something special. It fits comfortably into family breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or quiet evenings at the table. That balance of ease and indulgence is what keeps this recipe close at hand.