There’s something magical about the aroma of banana bread wafting through the house, but when you add the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s candy, that magic transforms into pure indulgence. This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread takes the beloved classic and elevates it into something extraordinary—moist, rich, and loaded with those iconic peanut butter and chocolate flavors we all crave.
I discovered this recipe during one of those perfect storm moments when overripe bananas were threatening to go to waste just as I found a forgotten bag of Halloween candy in the pantry. What started as a way to use up ingredients quickly became a household obsession. The combination of naturally sweet bananas with rich peanut butter and chunks of Reese’s creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and exciting, comfort food with a candy store twist.
What makes this banana bread truly special is how it balances familiar comfort with unexpected indulgence. The peanut butter doesn’t just add flavor—it creates incredible moisture and richness that makes each slice tender and satisfying. The Reese’s cups melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter throughout, while the Reese’s Pieces add delightful pops of color and crunch that make every bite a little adventure.
This recipe yields one standard 9×5 inch loaf that serves 8-10 people generously, and takes about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for weekend baking, potlucks, gift-giving, or any time you want to transform ordinary banana bread into something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into chunks
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional but recommended)
For the Optional Peanut Butter Drizzle:
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons warm milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then lining with parchment paper for easy removal. Leave some parchment overhang to act as handles for lifting the finished loaf.
Start by preparing your Reese’s candies, which is surprisingly important for even distribution. Chop the peanut butter cups into roughly ½-inch chunks—not too small that they disappear, but not so large that they create huge gaps in the bread. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes while you prepare the batter. This prevents them from melting too quickly and sinking to the bottom during baking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside—you’ll be adding it to the wet ingredients in stages to prevent overmixing.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth—a few small lumps are fine and actually add nice texture to the finished bread. The key is using very ripe bananas with brown spots, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture that makes this bread incredibly tender.
Add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. The peanut butter should be at room temperature for easy mixing—if it’s too stiff, warm it slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Stir in the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, while the combination of both sugars creates the perfect sweetness level.
Add half of the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Pour in the milk, mix briefly, then add the remaining flour mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears—overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, dense bread.
Remove the chilled Reese’s chunks from the freezer and, along with the Reese’s Pieces, fold them gently into the batter. Reserve a few pieces to sprinkle on top for visual appeal. The cold candy will help prevent excessive melting during the initial baking phase.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved candy pieces on top for a beautiful finished appearance.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Some melted chocolate streaks are normal and actually desirable. If the top is browning too quickly after 45 minutes, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack. This cooling period prevents the bread from falling apart while still warm and allows the candy pieces to set properly.
If making the peanut butter drizzle, whisk together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, warm milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzling consistency. Adjust thickness with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Drizzle over the completely cooled bread for an extra indulgent finish.
Flavor and Texture Notes
This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread delivers an incredibly rich and satisfying eating experience that goes far beyond ordinary banana bread. The banana base provides natural sweetness and incredible moisture, while the peanut butter adds depth and richness that makes each slice feel indulgent and substantial. The combination creates a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
The texture is wonderfully moist and tender, with the peanut butter contributing to a slightly denser, more luxurious crumb than traditional banana bread. The melted Reese’s cups create pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter throughout, while the Reese’s Pieces provide delightful textural contrast with their candy shell crunch and bright colors.
Each slice offers different flavor experiences depending on the distribution of candy pieces—some bites are primarily the rich banana-peanut butter base, while others deliver intense bursts of chocolate and peanut butter from the melted cups. The Reese’s Pieces add those familiar candy flavors in concentrated bursts that make every bite feel like a special treat.
The overall effect is comfort food elevated to dessert status, substantial enough to be satisfying but sweet enough to feel like an indulgence. It’s the kind of banana bread that disappears quickly and leaves everyone wanting more.
Tips and Variations
The ripeness of your bananas is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Look for bananas with brown spots and soft flesh—they should be sweet and aromatic. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can speed the process by baking them in their peels at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until soft.
Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest mixing and best texture. Cold eggs and milk can cause the melted butter to solidify in chunks, creating an uneven texture in the finished bread.
Don’t skip the step of chilling the candy pieces before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from melting completely during baking and helps maintain distinct pockets of candy throughout the bread.
For extra peanut butter flavor, you can create a swirl effect by reserving 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, warming it slightly, and swirling it through the batter before baking. This creates beautiful marbled patterns and intensifies the peanut butter taste.
Create variations by substituting different Reese’s products—Reese’s Minis work wonderfully, or try using Reese’s seasonal shapes when available. You can also add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This banana bread actually improves after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld and the texture becomes even more moist. Store it at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The bread stays remarkably fresh thanks to the moisture from the bananas and peanut butter.
For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Frozen slices can be thawed at room temperature for an hour or toasted directly from frozen for a warm treat.
The batter can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it perfect for preparing the night before and baking fresh in the morning.
For gift-giving, this bread ships beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a sturdy container. The dense, moist texture holds up well to shipping and the flavors remain intact.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, indulgent bread is delicious on its own but can be elevated in numerous ways. Serve slices slightly warmed with a pat of butter for an extra luxurious breakfast or afternoon snack. The warmth helps release the aromas and softens any candy pieces that may have firmed up.
For dessert, serve thick slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, creating a restaurant-quality dessert that’s perfect for entertaining. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce takes it completely over the top.
The bread pairs beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or cold milk—the beverages help balance the richness while complementing the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. For special occasions, consider serving it alongside other banana-themed desserts for a cohesive menu.
Toast leftover slices lightly for a different texture experience that crisp the exterior while keeping the interior soft and gooey. This is particularly good for day-old bread that may have lost some of its initial moisture.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and may make the bread a bit denser. Make sure it’s well-stirred before using, and you might want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to compensate for the reduced sweetness.
What if I can’t find Reese’s products? You can substitute with any chocolate-peanut butter candy combination. Chopped peanut butter cups from other brands work well, or you can use mini chocolate chips mixed with chopped roasted peanuts for similar flavors.
Can I make this as muffins instead? Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. The individual portions make great grab-and-go treats.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy? This usually results from overmixing the batter or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and make sure your bananas are very ripe with brown spots for optimal moisture and sweetness.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe? You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup, but I wouldn’t recommend reducing both sugars significantly as they contribute to the bread’s moisture and texture. The brown sugar particularly adds moisture that keeps the bread tender.
This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread proves that sometimes the best recipes come from combining beloved favorites in unexpected ways. It takes the comfort of homemade banana bread and transforms it into something that feels both nostalgic and exciting, familiar yet special enough for celebrations. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas, looking for the perfect potluck contribution, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this bread delivers satisfaction and smiles in every single slice. The combination of natural banana sweetness, rich peanut butter, and chunks of candy creates the kind of treat that makes ordinary moments feel special—exactly what the best comfort food should do.
