If you love the combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana, this Reese’s Banana Bread is the loaf you need to try. It takes classic moist banana bread and turns it into an extra-indulgent treat with creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in every slice.
The ripe bananas keep the bread soft and flavorful, while peanut butter adds richness and chocolate creates those irresistible melty pockets throughout the loaf. It’s easy enough for a weekend breakfast but decadent enough to serve as dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Banana Bread
- Rich and moist: Ripe bananas create a soft, tender crumb.
- Peanut butter + chocolate: A classic combination in every bite.
- Loaded with Reese’s: Chopped peanut butter cups add extra texture and flavor.
- Easy to make: No mixer is required.
- Great for ripe bananas: A delicious way to use bananas that are getting too ripe.
- Freezer-friendly: Individual slices can be frozen for later.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas, mashed | 3 large |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons, if needed |
Ingredient Notes
Ripe Bananas
For the best banana flavor, use bananas with plenty of brown spots. Very ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and provide moisture to the loaf.
Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter works best because it blends smoothly into the batter. Conventional creamy peanut butter gives the most consistent texture.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Chop the peanut butter cups into bite-sized pieces. You can use regular-size cups or mini cups.
Save a few pieces to scatter over the top of the batter before baking for a bakery-style finish.
Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the bananas and peanut butter. Milk chocolate chips can be used if you prefer a sweeter loaf.
How to Make Reese’s Banana Bread
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small pieces of banana are perfectly fine.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
5. Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
If the batter seems unusually thick, add the 2 tablespoons of milk and stir just until incorporated.
6. Add the Chocolate and Reese’s
Fold in the chocolate chips and most of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Reserve a small handful of chocolate chips and Reese’s pieces for the top.
7. Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Scatter the remaining chocolate chips and Reese’s pieces over the surface.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
If the top becomes too dark before the center is done, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.
9. Cool
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
Carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack.
Allow it to cool before slicing. The melted chocolate and peanut butter need time to set slightly.
Tips for the Best Reese’s Banana Bread
Use very ripe bananas.
Brown-spotted bananas provide the best sweetness and banana flavor.
Don’t overmix.
Stir the batter just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make banana bread dense.
Don’t skip the parchment.
It makes removing this rich loaf much easier.
Reserve some Reese’s pieces for the top.
Adding them before baking makes the loaf look especially tempting.
Check the center.
Because the loaf contains peanut butter and chocolate, it can take longer to bake than basic banana bread.
Let it cool.
Slicing too early can cause the center to appear gummy and make the chocolate extremely messy.
Easy Variations
Reese’s Chocolate Banana Bread
Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an even more chocolate-forward loaf.
Extra Peanut Butter
Warm 2 tablespoons of peanut butter until slightly runny and drizzle it over the cooled banana bread.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Before baking, drop small spoonfuls of softened peanut butter over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
Reese’s Pieces Banana Bread
Replace some of the chocolate chips with Reese’s Pieces for extra peanut butter candy crunch.
Dark Chocolate Version
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less-sweet flavor.
Nutty Banana Bread
Add 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peanuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Reese’s Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to make it even more indulgent.
Serve a slice slightly warm with:
- A drizzle of melted peanut butter
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Extra chopped Reese’s cups
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
For breakfast, pair a slice with coffee or milk. For dessert, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Store completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Bring individual slices closer to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
Reese’s Banana Bread freezes very well.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw individual slices at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but conventional creamy peanut butter generally gives the most consistent texture. If using natural peanut butter, stir it very well before measuring.
Can I use mini Reese’s cups?
Yes. Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are excellent for this recipe and can be left whole or roughly chopped.
Why is my banana bread not fully cooked in the center?
Banana bread can vary in baking time depending on the size of the bananas, moisture level, and loaf pan. Continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. The Reese’s cups provide plenty of chocolate and peanut butter flavor, so you can omit the chocolate chips if desired.
Can I add peanut butter on top?
Yes. Warm a small amount of peanut butter until pourable and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
Can I freeze Reese’s Banana Bread?
Yes. Wrap individual slices well and freeze them for up to 3 months for best quality.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing them.
Nutrition Information
The following is an approximate estimate based on 12 slices and will vary depending on the specific brands and amount of Reese’s cups used.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Banana Bread is everything you want when classic banana bread meets the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. The ripe bananas create a soft loaf, while creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s cups make every slice rich and satisfying.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a decadent dessert, this is one banana bread recipe that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. For the ultimate finish, warm a slice and add a drizzle of peanut butter and a few extra Reese’s pieces on top.
Print
Reese’s Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
This Reese’s Banana Bread combines ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in one rich, moist loaf. It’s an easy, indulgent banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Place the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth.
3. Add the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. If the batter seems unusually thick, add the milk and stir just until incorporated.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and most of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Reserve a small handful for the top.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Scatter the remaining chocolate chips and Reese’s pieces over the surface.
8. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the top becomes too dark, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes.
9. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
10. Carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool before slicing.
Notes
Use very ripe, brown-spotted bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the loaf dense. Reserve some Reese’s pieces and chocolate chips for the top for a bakery-style finish.
Store completely cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition is approximate per slice based on 12 slices: 390 calories, 48g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 20g fat, 8g saturated fat, 3g fiber, 28g sugar, and 250mg sodium
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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