Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread is an irresistible combination of comforting flavors and textures, blending the nostalgic taste of peanut butter and jelly with the moist, sweet goodness of ripe bananas. This delightful loaf is not only a feast for your senses, but it also evokes warm memories of childhood snacks. The plush softness of the bread, infused with creamy peanut butter and swirls of your favorite jelly or jam, makes every bite a nostalgic journey. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert, this recipe is a must-try for families and food lovers alike. Enjoy the playful fusion of flavors in this easy, step-by-step recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned bakers and novices. You’ll need minimal ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The quick assembly and baking process means you can have this scrumptious loaf ready in no time. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a hit with kids and adults, satisfying a variety of taste buds. You can experiment with different types of jelly or even add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to create a unique twist.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
- 3 ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter! They add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Luxuriously rich, providing the signature flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of warmth and richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your delicious loaf.
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam: The fruity touch that brings it all together.
- Optional: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips: For added texture and flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth and creamy. This is a great way to release their natural sweetness.
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Mix in the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas until thoroughly combined. The mixture should be rich and fragrant.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent.
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Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this keeps your bread light and fluffy.
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Fold in the jelly or jam gently. You want to keep the beautiful swirls intact without completely blending it in.
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Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out gently.
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Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You should see a beautiful golden-brown crust.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain the loaf’s structure.
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Finally, slice and enjoy your Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread! Each slice should be fragrant and inviting.
Tips & Tricks for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
- For a more complex flavor, consider using natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils. This will give your bread an earthy richness.
- If you prefer a hint of chocolate, fold in some chocolate chips along with the jelly for a decadent twist.
- Using overripe bananas is key to achieving the best sweetness and moisture. The more speckles, the better!
- For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, but you might also enjoy spreading a bit more peanut butter on top or pairing it with a slice of fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it to dessert status. For a cozy touch, enjoy a warm slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
This delicious bread serves about 10 slices. Each slice contains approximately:
- Calories: 210
- Total fat: 9g (Saturated: 2g)
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total carbohydrates: 30g (Dietary fiber: 1g, Sugars: 10g)
- Protein: 5g
While the bread is indulgent, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying treat. You can feel great about enjoying this sweet bread as part of your balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
To keep your Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm up in the oven.
For variations, consider using different types of nut butters like almond or cashew butter for a twist. You can also experiment with various jams or jellies — from grape to strawberry or even a spiced apple butter for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion for Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
Now that you’re equipped with this delightful and easy recipe, it’s time to bake! The combination of flavors in Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this loaf is a perfect addition to any meal. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create something delicious today!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid to ensure the batter doesn’t become too wet.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for similar results.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Indeed! Just make sure you have a larger mixing bowl and an additional loaf pan for baking, if needed.
What kinds of jelly or jam should I use?
Feel free to get creative! Classic grape or strawberry jam works beautifully, but you can experiment with raspberry or peach varieties for a twist.
Print
Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful loaf combining the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with the sweetness of ripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam
- Optional: Chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the peanut butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the jelly or jam gently.
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the batter in, smoothing out gently.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, use natural peanut butter or mix in chocolate chips. Make sure your bananas are overripe for the best sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
