This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the ultimate treat for banana bread lovers. The combination of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and rich cocoa powder results in a moist and decadent loaf that tastes almost like cake! The peanut butter adds richness, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. With a simple peanut butter drizzle on top, this bread is a delightful indulgence. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. If you prefer, you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter, and feel free to add chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness!
Ingredients
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1/3 cup peanut butter, slightly melted
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1 cup sugar
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1 cup mashed bananas
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Banana slices (optional, for topping)
For the peanut butter drizzle:
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3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix together the melted peanut butter, sugar, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and eggs until combined.
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Stir in the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
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Gradually add in the flour and mix until the batter is smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with thinly sliced banana pieces (optional).
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Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
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Let the loaf cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
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For the peanut butter drizzle, microwave the peanut butter for 30 seconds, stir, and heat for an additional 15 seconds if needed. Drizzle over the slightly cooled loaf.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 320 kcal
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 23g
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Sodium: 180mg
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a sweet baked good; it’s a comforting treat that combines the nostalgia of classic banana bread with the indulgence of chocolate and the richness of peanut butter. This fusion creates a loaf that balances sweetness, moist texture, and a hint of savory depth. For many, banana bread is tied to memories of using up overripe bananas at home, often as a family project or a weekend baking ritual. By enhancing this traditional recipe with cocoa powder and peanut butter, it takes on a whole new identity—one that is both familiar and elevated.
Banana bread itself has a long history, becoming popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression when resourcefulness in the kitchen was essential. Rather than throwing away overripe bananas, home bakers found creative ways to use them, leading to the rise of banana bread in American kitchens. Over time, variations blossomed—some with nuts, others with chocolate, and later, with modern twists like nut butters. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the perfect example of how traditional recipes evolve, maintaining their roots while embracing new flavors.
The Perfect Flavor Combination
What makes this bread truly shine is the harmonious balance between its three main components. Bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for excess fat while keeping the loaf tender. Chocolate, in the form of cocoa powder, introduces a rich, slightly bitter depth that transforms the loaf from a simple quick bread into something resembling a dessert. Peanut butter rounds out the trio by adding creaminess and a nutty undertone that enhances both the bananas and chocolate.
It’s no coincidence that bananas, chocolate, and peanut butter are often paired together in desserts. Bananas mellow the bitterness of cocoa, while peanut butter bridges the gap with its savory and slightly salty richness. The result is a flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike. Adding a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top not only makes the bread visually appealing but also doubles down on the nutty flavor.
Texture and Moisture
One of the most rewarding aspects of baking banana bread is its texture. Unlike a dry loaf or sponge cake, banana bread is meant to be soft, dense, and moist. The bananas themselves are a natural source of moisture, while the vegetable oil keeps the crumb tender. Eggs provide structure, helping the loaf rise and hold together without becoming overly dry.
The addition of cocoa powder contributes to a more cake-like density, while peanut butter adds a velvety richness. When baked properly, the loaf develops a slightly crisp crust while staying moist inside. If banana slices are added on top before baking, they caramelize slightly, adding a decorative and flavorful touch. This interplay of textures makes every bite satisfying.
Versatility and Customization
Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. While the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is already indulgent, there’s room for creativity. Bakers can fold chocolate chips into the batter for extra bursts of sweetness or add chopped peanuts for crunch. For a slightly different twist, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted for peanut butter, offering new layers of flavor while keeping the bread nutty and rich.
Those looking to make the bread a little healthier can reduce the sugar or substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. A sprinkle of oats or seeds on top before baking adds texture and nutritional value. For vegan bakers, replacing the eggs with flaxseed “eggs” and using plant-based oil or butter alternatives can make this recipe completely plant-friendly without compromising flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s delicious as-is, served warm from the oven or cooled for a firmer texture. Some people like to spread extra peanut butter or a thin layer of cream cheese on each slice, while others enjoy it with a drizzle of honey. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of cold milk in the afternoon.
Because of its cake-like qualities, this bread can even double as a dessert. A slice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream makes for an indulgent treat. It can also be cut into cubes and layered in a trifle dish with fruit and cream for an elegant presentation at gatherings.
Storage and Freshness
Banana bread, including this chocolate peanut butter version, keeps well when stored properly. Once baked and cooled, the loaf can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about three days. For longer storage, refrigerating the loaf can extend its freshness up to a week, though refrigeration may slightly firm up the texture.
For those who like to prepare in advance, this bread freezes beautifully. Simply slice the loaf and wrap individual portions in parchment paper or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, slices can be thawed at room temperature or warmed in the microwave for a quick treat.
Nutritional Benefits
While Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is certainly indulgent, it offers some surprising nutritional benefits as well. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, all of which support heart and digestive health. Peanut butter contributes protein and healthy fats, which help keep you full longer and provide steady energy. Cocoa powder is a source of antioxidants, known for their potential to improve mood and reduce inflammation.
Of course, like any baked treat, moderation is key. Each serving provides about 320 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The loaf can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in reasonable portions, especially if paired with nutrient-dense sides like fresh fruit.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe so reliable is its straightforward method and forgiving nature. Quick breads like banana bread don’t require yeast, kneading, or rising time. Instead, the recipe comes together in a single bowl with basic pantry staples. Even novice bakers can achieve excellent results, making it an accessible and rewarding recipe.
The use of oil instead of butter ensures a moist loaf that doesn’t dry out quickly. The cocoa powder infuses deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the bananas. The drizzle of peanut butter on top is the perfect finishing touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Each step is designed to maximize flavor while keeping the process simple.
A Comforting Classic with a Twist
Part of the charm of banana bread lies in its comforting simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, whether enjoyed on a cozy weekend morning or shared at a family gathering. By incorporating chocolate and peanut butter, this loaf becomes something more—an elevated version of a nostalgic favorite. It brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels both decadent and approachable.
For many people, recipes like this serve as a reminder that baking is not just about creating food—it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s the smell of bananas and chocolate filling the kitchen or the joy of slicing into a warm loaf, this bread connects people through shared experience.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a recipe that embodies comfort, creativity, and indulgence. It honors the tradition of classic banana bread while introducing bold, irresistible flavors that elevate it into a show-stopping treat. From its moist texture to its rich flavor profile, every element of this bread works in harmony to create a satisfying bite.
Its versatility means it can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, while its ease of preparation makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The nutritional benefits of bananas, peanut butter, and cocoa add a wholesome element, even in a treat that feels indulgent.
Ultimately, this recipe is more than just a way to use ripe bananas—it’s a celebration of flavor combinations that have stood the test of time. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful addition to any kitchen repertoire, and a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for years to come.