This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a cozy twist on the classic banana loaf, bringing together the richness of peanut butter with melty chocolate chips and ripe bananas. It’s irresistibly moist with a perfect crumb, making it the ideal companion for breakfast, brunch, or a warm afternoon snack.
With wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and yogurt, this treat strikes the balance between indulgence and feel-good baking. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy a quiet slice with your coffee, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Prepare to fall in love with every bite of this warm, chocolatey, peanut butter banana hug.
Full Recipe:
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Cooking spray
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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⅓ cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter
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¾ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup plain fat-free yogurt
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon canola oil
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¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, brown sugar, yogurt, egg, and oil. Stir until well blended.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (includes cooling time)
Kcal: 201 kcal | Servings: 12
A Perfect Twist on a Classic Favorite
Banana bread has long been a cherished staple in home kitchens around the world. Its rich history and versatility have allowed countless variations to emerge, each offering a unique spin on the original. Among the most beloved of these variations is the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread — a moist, flavorful loaf that brings together three comforting ingredients in a harmonious, mouth-watering blend.
This recipe elevates traditional banana bread with the addition of creamy peanut butter and sweet bursts of chocolate chips. The result is a dessert-meets-breakfast hybrid that works as well for brunch as it does for a late-night snack. For families, foodies, and home bakers alike, it’s a recipe that offers both comfort and creativity.
Why This Bread Stands Out
The real magic of this banana bread lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Mashed ripe bananas provide moisture and natural sweetness, while peanut butter introduces a nutty depth that enhances the overall richness. The addition of chocolate chips creates little pockets of melty sweetness that contrast beautifully with the hearty base.
Unlike traditional banana bread, which can sometimes be overly sweet or dense, this version leans on whole wheat flour and yogurt to keep the texture tender without being heavy. It’s a thoughtful blend of indulgence and nourishment — sweet enough to feel like a treat, but not so sugary that it veers into dessert territory.
Texture, Moisture, and Mouthfeel
When you slice into this bread, the first thing you’ll notice is its moist, fluffy crumb. That’s thanks in part to the bananas and yogurt, which both help retain moisture during baking. Peanut butter, especially when used in just the right quantity, enhances the mouthfeel without making the loaf overly dense.
One bite delivers a soft and slightly chewy texture, punctuated by the occasional crunch from semisweet chocolate chips. The bread isn’t greasy, overly rich, or cake-like — it sits right in that “just right” zone that makes it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even serving at a cozy afternoon tea.
Versatility of the Recipe
Another strong point of this bread is its adaptability. While the base recipe includes whole wheat flour, it can be made with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend, depending on dietary needs. Similarly, you can substitute the yogurt with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a plant-based alternative to suit your preferences.
Don’t like semisweet chocolate? Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. You can also add crushed nuts, dried fruits, or a swirl of Nutella or honey for an extra punch of flavor. The core formula is forgiving and open to personalization, making it a great go-to recipe no matter what’s in your pantry.
A Recipe for All Occasions
This bread is as suited to holiday mornings as it is to weekday breakfasts. Its warm, comforting flavors make it ideal for fall and winter, but the lightness and portability also lend themselves well to picnics, potlucks, and bake sales.
It can be sliced and served warm, toasted with butter, or enjoyed cold. It’s an excellent addition to brunch spreads and also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when baked in mini loaves or wrapped with care.
If you’re meal prepping or trying to minimize food waste, it’s a great use for overripe bananas that might otherwise be thrown away. And because it stores so well, you can make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
Healthier, But Still Indulgent
Despite its indulgent flavor, this banana bread is a relatively wholesome choice. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a subtle nuttiness, while bananas contribute potassium and natural sweetness. The use of plain yogurt or sour cream helps reduce the need for excessive oil, keeping the loaf lower in fat while preserving its soft texture.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, it’s easy to cut back on the brown sugar slightly without sacrificing too much flavor. Many bakers even swap in natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or use a reduced-sugar chocolate to keep things lighter.
Vegetarian and easy to make dairy-free with a couple of swaps, this recipe fits nicely into a variety of diets without feeling like a compromise.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Children adore this bread, thanks to the combination of bananas and chocolate. The peanut butter adds an extra layer of kid-approved flavor that makes it a favorite among picky eaters. Slice it up for lunchboxes or serve it with a glass of milk for an after-school snack that feels like a treat — but sneaks in some nutritious ingredients.
Adults love it just as much, making it an excellent dish for entertaining. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe and turn it into muffins, mini loaves, or even a bundt cake for more formal gatherings. If you’re hosting a brunch, this bread will disappear quickly.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Every Time
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Use very ripe bananas. The darker and spottier, the better. They provide more natural sweetness and moisture.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together ensures the bread stays tender.
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Check for doneness. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter. Let it cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
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Customize with add-ins. Think walnuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, or a dash of espresso powder for added depth.
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Store properly. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage — it holds up beautifully.
Make It Ahead or Bake and Freeze
One of the best features of this recipe is how well it freezes. After the loaf cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or gently warm it in the oven.
You can also slice the bread before freezing and wrap each slice individually for easy grab-and-go portions. This makes it a great option for busy households, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a ready-made snack that feels homemade.
The Flavor That Keeps on Giving
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread isn’t just a twist on a favorite — it’s a revelation in its own right. Combining the cozy flavor of bananas, the comforting richness of peanut butter, and the universal appeal of chocolate chips, it hits all the right notes for anyone craving a nostalgic, feel-good bake.
The beauty of this bread lies not only in its flavor but in its emotional impact. It reminds us of slow mornings, shared meals, handwritten recipe cards, and the comforting smells of home baking. It’s both a memory and a moment, ready to be savored.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated recipes and flashy desserts, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a return to simplicity, comfort, and joy. It’s an easy-to-make, hard-to-resist classic with a modern twist that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your community, this banana bread delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a little touch of sweetness in every slice. Add it to your baking rotation and it just might become your new favorite loaf — one you’ll turn to again and again.
