Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is everything your kitchen needs to smell like comfort. It’s a rich blend of mashed ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. The applesauce ensures it’s tender and moist, while pumpkin pie spice adds that subtle hint of warmth.

Perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacking, or a sweet treat after dinner, this bread is easy to whip up with just two bowls and no mixer required. Whether you top it with extra chips or enjoy a warm slice with butter, it’s a recipe the whole family will love and ask for again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)

• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)

• ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened or sweetened)

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips (or peanut butter chips)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, applesauce, peanut butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.

5. Fold in chocolate chips.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans. Top each with additional chocolate chips if desired.

7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, loosely covering with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

8. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with crumbs, it’s done.

9. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 15–20 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 301 kcal per slice | Servings: 16 slices (2 loaves)

The Irresistible Charm of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

There’s something undeniably magical about banana bread. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and warm in a way that feels like a hug from the inside. Now imagine elevating that beloved classic with two flavor powerhouses creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips. That’s exactly what this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread delivers. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple pantry staples into something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking to use up overripe bananas or looking for the perfect treat to pair with a morning coffee or evening tea, this version hits all the right notes.

This bread isn’t just a twist on banana bread it’s a full on flavor celebration. The creamy peanut butter brings richness and depth, adding a nutty, slightly salty balance to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The chocolate chips add melty bursts of indulgence throughout, making every bite feel a little bit like dessert. The best part? It’s easy to make, uses ingredients you likely already have, and doesn’t even require a mixer.

Why We Love This Banana Bread Twist

Peanut butter and bananas have long been a dream team. From Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich to post-workout smoothies, it’s a combination that feels both familiar and indulgent. When you fold chocolate chips into the mix, the result is a quick bread that hits every craving sweet, nutty, comforting, and just a little bit decadent.

This recipe is especially beloved because it bridges the gap between a breakfast treat and a dessert. It’s not too sweet, making it perfectly acceptable with your morning coffee, but it’s still indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner. Kids love it, adults can’t resist it, and it makes a perfect addition to brunch spreads, bake sales, or afternoon tea.

Another reason it’s a fan favorite? The texture. Thanks to the mashed bananas, applesauce, and peanut butter, this bread is incredibly moist. It’s soft without being overly dense and stays that way for days (if it lasts that long!).

Ideal Moments to Serve This Recipe

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is how versatile it is. You can slice it up for weekday breakfast, serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting snack, or dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter glaze for a casual dessert.

Here are some perfect moments to bake and share it:

• Weekend brunch gatherings – Slice and serve warm with fruit, yogurt, and coffee.

• Lunchbox treat – A small slice packed for school or work is a fun surprise.

• Gift for neighbors or teachers – Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, it’s a thoughtful (and delicious) gesture.

• Potluck or bake sale favorite – It’s easy to slice and serve, and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

• Holiday mornings – Ideal for cozying up with something sweet while opening gifts or enjoying a slow morning.

Customizations and Variations

While the classic combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana is hard to beat, this recipe is also incredibly adaptable to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Swap the chips: Use peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or a mix of dark and milk chocolate for variety.

• Add texture: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

• Go dairy-free: Be sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free and use an oil like coconut or vegetable oil.

• Mini loaves or muffins: This batter works beautifully in mini loaf pans or muffin tins just adjust the bake time accordingly.

• Top it off: A sprinkle of oats, chopped nuts, or even flaky sea salt on top before baking adds a beautiful finish and great texture.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time

Baking quick breads like this one is relatively straightforward, but a few expert tips can help you get that bakery-worthy result every single time.

• Use overripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. They bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to check the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let it cool: It can be hard to wait, but letting the bread cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set and slice cleanly.

• Store it right: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It stays moist at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well slice it first for easy, single-serve thawing.

Nutritional Considerations

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is definitely on the indulgent side of things, but it still offers some wholesome goodness. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, and peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats into the mix. Using applesauce in place of some oil helps reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing moisture.

Of course, it’s still a sweet bread, so moderation is key. But it’s one of those recipes that strikes a great balance between satisfying your cravings and giving you that homemade, nourishing feel.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a foolproof recipe, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread deserves a spot in your rotation. It combines the classic comfort of banana bread with the richness of peanut butter and the indulgence of chocolate chips three flavors that never go out of style.

It’s also a great way to reduce food waste by using those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. And perhaps best of all, it brings people together. Serve this at a gathering or share it with a friend, and watch how quickly the slices disappear.

So the next time you have a few bananas getting too ripe or you’re simply craving something warm, sweet, and homemade this is the recipe to reach for. It’s cozy, it’s satisfying, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to comfort bakes.