Reese’s Peanut Butter Bread

This hearty Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread combines two beloved flavors into one irresistible loaf. The rich peanut butter perfectly complements sweet bananas, while chunks of Reese's cups create pockets of chocolate-peanut butter bliss in every bite.

I first made this bread during a rainy weekend when my children were begging for both banana bread and something with chocolate. The moment they tasted this creation, it became our new family tradition for using up overripe bananas.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas: Choose bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and easy mashing
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Provides rich nutty flavor and moisture. Use commercial brands like Jif or Skippy for consistent results
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted: Creates tender crumb and richness
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect texture
• ½ cup brown sugar packed: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the bread
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors in the bread
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread structure
• 1 tsp baking soda: Leavening agent that helps the bread rise
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and creates perfect consistency
• 1 cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The star ingredient that creates flavor pockets throughout
• ½ cup Reese's Pieces: Adds color crunch and extra peanut butter flavor
• ¼ cup melted peanut butter for drizzle: Optional but creates a beautiful finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan with either cooking spray or parchment paper. The parchment creates handles that make removing the finished bread much easier. Chop your Reese's cups into roughly ¼-inch pieces now so they're ready when needed.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together now ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter later. Any clumps of baking soda would create bitter spots in your finished bread.

Create Wet Mixture:

In a large bowl thoroughly mash the bananas until few lumps remain. Add peanut butter and melted butter stirring until smooth. The warm butter helps the peanut butter blend more easily. Add both sugars eggs and vanilla extract whisking vigorously until the mixture lightens slightly in color and becomes smooth about 2 minutes of hand mixing.

Combine Mixtures:

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three portions alternating with splashes of milk. Begin and end with flour mixtures. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no dry streaks remain. The batter should look slightly lumpy. Overmixing activates gluten making your bread tough rather than tender.

Add Mix-ins:

Gently fold in the chopped Reese's cups and Reese's Pieces using a folding motion with your spatula. Cut through the center and sweep up from the bottom to minimize streaking. Save a small handful to sprinkle on top of the batter for visual appeal.

Bake:

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan spreading evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes. The bread is done when the top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If your bread browns too quickly cover loosely with foil after about 40 minutes.

Cool and Finish:

Let the bread cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This allows it to set while still warm enough to remove easily. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely about 2 hours. For the optional drizzle microwave ¼ cup peanut butter in 15-second intervals until pourable then drizzle over the cooled bread using a spoon or piping bag.

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The Reese's cups are truly what make this bread special. My daughter always helps me chop them and inevitably several pieces mysteriously disappear during the process. We now have a tradition of setting aside a small bowl of extra chopped cups just for sampling during our baking sessions.

Making Ahead and Storage

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. After cooling completely wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They make perfect grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats throughout the week. At room temperature the bread stays fresh for about 3 days while refrigeration extends freshness to a full week. Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before eating or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Transform this bread from snack to dessert by warming a thick slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between cold creamy ice cream and warm bread creates an unforgettable treat. For breakfast pair a slice with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for balanced nutrition. Coffee lovers will appreciate how the bitter notes in coffee complement the sweet peanut butter flavor profile especially with a dark roast that has chocolate undertones.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your bread sinks in the middle after baking it likely needed more time in the oven. Try inserting a wooden skewer into the very center next time as toothpicks may not reach deep enough to test for doneness. If your Reese's pieces sink to the bottom toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter. This creates a light coating that helps them stay suspended. For a more pronounced peanut butter flavor consider using a natural peanut butter with no added sugar which provides a more intense nutty taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this banana bread unique?

The addition of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and optional Reese's Pieces sets this banana bread apart with bursts of creamy chocolate and colorful crunch.

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid a dry batter. Natural peanut butter with no added oils or sugars works well.

→ How do I prevent my loaf from browning too quickly?

Check your bread at the 50-minute mark and tent the top with foil if it’s browning too much before the center is done.

→ Do I have to include the drizzle topping?

No, the drizzle is optional, but it adds an extra layer of indulgence to the bread.

→ Can I turn this into muffins?

Absolutely! Use a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.