Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

$- 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The main ingredients of the chocolate peanut butter banana bread are simple yet vital. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture. Creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and a smooth texture. Cocoa powder gives a deep chocolate taste. Using both brown and granulated sugars balances sweetness and creates a lovely crust. Eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet) - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) For the dry and wet components, baking soda helps the bread rise, making it fluffy. Salt brings out all the flavors. All-purpose flour builds the structure of the bread. Chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate in every bite. If you like, you can add chopped nuts for crunch and texture. They bring a great contrast to the soft bread. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This helps the bread slide out easily after baking. 2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Add the creamy peanut butter. Mix until smooth. This step is key for a rich flavor. 1. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir well until everything is mixed together. You want a smooth texture for the batter. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps avoid lumps. 3. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Be gentle and don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay. This keeps your bread light and fluffy. 1. Stir in the chocolate chips and optional nuts, like walnuts or pecans. This adds extra crunch and flavor. 2. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly. 3. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs. 4. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the bread’s texture. To keep your chocolate peanut butter banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, try freezing your banana bread. Slice it first for easy serving later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This method keeps the bread fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. Many people make mistakes while baking banana bread. One common issue is overmixing the batter. Mix just until the flour disappears. This keeps your bread light and fluffy. Use ripe bananas; they add natural sweetness and moisture. If your bananas are not very ripe, your bread may be less tasty. Also, make sure to check your oven temperature. An oven thermometer can help you bake perfectly. For an extra treat, top your banana bread with more peanut butter. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the slices. This adds a rich, decadent touch. When hosting, slice the bread and arrange it nicely on a plate. You can garnish with banana slices or a light dusting of cocoa powder. This makes your banana bread look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results. Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated to ensure a tender loaf. Overmixing can lead to dense banana bread. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your banana bread with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of Nutella for added flavor and texture. Store Properly: To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. {{image_2}} You can make your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread even better! Here are some ideas: - Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices boost the flavor and add depth. - Nut Butters: Try using almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Each nut butter gives a unique taste. Want to change things up for dietary needs? Here are some tips: - Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the taste while making it safe for gluten-free diets. - Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. This keeps the bread moist and delicious without any animal products. Adding fun extras makes this banana bread even more special: - Chocolate Types: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. Each type adds a different sweetness and flavor. - Fruits: Toss in blueberries or dried cranberries for a fruity twist. They add juicy bursts of flavor in every bite. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own version! To keep your chocolate peanut butter banana bread fresh, store it on the countertop. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep the bread longer, refrigerate it. Wrap it well to avoid drying. It can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember, chilling may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces for easy thawing. Place the slices in a freezer bag or wrap them in plastic wrap. This keeps the bread fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw slices at room temperature or microwave them for a quick heat-up. Enjoy your tasty treat any time! How ripe should bananas be for banana bread? Use bananas that are very ripe. They should have brown spots. The more ripe they are, the sweeter your bread will be. Overripe bananas mash easily and add moisture. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter. It may change the bread's texture a bit. Natural peanut butter can be more runny or thick, so adjust as needed. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? You can use flax eggs or applesauce. For one egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup of applesauce for one egg. Why is my banana bread dense? Dense banana bread can happen if you overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. Also, check your baking powder. If it’s old, it may not rise well. How can I tell if the bread is fully baked? Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If it has wet batter, bake it a bit longer. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. It stays fresh for several days. You can slice it and store it in the fridge for snacks or breakfast. How can I lighten the recipe? To lighten it, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also use less peanut butter or replace some flour with whole wheat flour. This blog covered how to make delightful banana bread. We explored key ingredients like ripe bananas and peanut butter. You learned step-by-step instructions to mix and bake perfectly. We shared tips for storage and tricks for success. With variations for dietary needs and flavor options, your banana bread can be unique. In conclusion, enjoy baking this treat and share it with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

A deliciously moist banana bread infused with chocolate and peanut butter, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

3 whole ripe bananas, mashed
0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
0.25 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Slice the banana bread and serve it warm with a smear of additional peanut butter on top or drizzle melted chocolate for an indulgent touch. You can also garnish with banana slices or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.

Keyword banana bread, chocolate, dessert, peanut butter