There’s something about the smell of banana bread baking in the oven that makes a house feel like home. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a cozy fall evening, or a weekend brunch with friends, banana bread is one of those universally loved comfort foods. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this classic up a notch?
Enter Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread—a sweet, nutty, and indulgent loaf that blends the nostalgic flavor of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of peanut butter and the irresistible decadence of Reese’s. It’s the perfect treat when you’re craving something comforting yet exciting.
This recipe was born out of a lazy Sunday afternoon when the bananas on the counter were just too ripe to ignore—and there just happened to be a leftover stash of Halloween candy. One bite, and it became a new household favorite. Now, it’s your turn to bake a loaf and fall in love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread isn’t just delicious—it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to kids and adults alike. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Moist and rich thanks to mashed bananas, peanut butter, and melted butter.
- Sweet and nutty flavor from brown sugar and creamy peanut butter.
- Loaded with chocolatey goodness, thanks to the chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the added crunch of Reese’s Pieces.
- Versatile enough to serve for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- Easy to make, requiring just one mixing bowl and a few pantry staples.
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a bake sale, or just to treat yourself, this Reese’s banana bread will leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional for extra crunch & color)
Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle:
- ¼ cup peanut butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is also a good time to gather all your ingredients and chop the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Set aside—this will be incorporated into the wet ingredients shortly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then, stir in:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
4. Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the ½ cup milk. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bread may come out dense.
5. Fold in the Good Stuff
Now for the best part: fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and, if you like a bit more crunch and color, the Reese’s Pieces. These add an extra layer of flavor and a fun surprise in every bite.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melty chocolate streaks are okay!).
Pro tip: Check at the 50-minute mark and tent the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
7. Cool and Drizzle (Optional)
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
For an extra indulgent touch, melt ¼ cup of peanut butter and drizzle it over the cooled banana bread. This step is optional—but highly recommended!
Tips for the Best Reese’s Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better. Brown spots mean natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix: A few lumps are okay—overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Chop candy into bite-size pieces: This ensures even distribution and prevents sinking.
- Let it cool before slicing: Warm bread may fall apart or appear gooey due to the melted chocolate.
Make It Your Own: Creative Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Try these delicious twists:
- Add chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
- Swap the Reese’s Pieces for chopped roasted peanuts or mini marshmallows.
- Turn it into muffins: Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Add a swirl: Swirl in extra peanut butter on top before baking for a marbled effect.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
How to Store & Freeze
This banana bread stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting.
To Store:
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
To Freeze:
Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or pop slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Reese’s Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to serve it:
- Toasted with butter: Especially good for breakfast!
- Topped with vanilla ice cream: A decadent dessert idea.
- Alongside coffee or hot cocoa: The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Gifted with love: Wrap it in parchment, tie with twine, and give it as a homemade gift.
Healthier Swaps (Without Losing the Flavor)
If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, try these tweaks:
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil.
- Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
- Replace butter with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
These substitutions still deliver big on flavor while cutting down on some of the indulgence—perfect if you want to enjoy it more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this banana bread without peanut butter?
Yes, but it won’t have the same richness. You can substitute almond or cashew butter, or omit it entirely and increase the banana by ½ cup.
Do I have to use both sugars?
Using both white and brown sugar gives the bread moisture and depth, but you can use just one if you prefer.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Bake This Today
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread isn’t just another loaf—it’s a full-on experience. It’s where nostalgia meets indulgence, where comfort food gets a candy-laced makeover. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet special enough to impress your guests.
So next time you’ve got overripe bananas and a sweet tooth, skip the usual banana bread and make this instead. One bite, and you’ll see what the hype is about.