If you’re searching for the ultimate mashup of comfort and decadence, look no further than Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread. Imagine irresistibly moist banana bread, studded with bursts of chocolatey peanut butter cups, swirled with a dreamy peanut butter glaze. Every bite is a celebration of childhood favorites in a loaf: familiar, indulgent, and utterly unforgettable.

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from delivering rich banana flavor to creating the perfect tender crumb. Together, they build the taste, texture, and gorgeous appearance that make Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread so special.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring your loaf stays sturdy yet soft.
Baking soda: Gives your bread beautiful rise and keeps it fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create a moist, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Packed light brown sugar: Brings in a delicate molasses undertone and extra tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and provide lightness.
Mashed banana: The heart and soul—use very ripe bananas for the deepest banana flavor.
Sour cream: Contributes creamy tang and amazing moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances every note of sweetness and warms the aroma.
Mini peanut butter cups: Little treasures of gooey, melty chocolate and peanut butter in every bite—don’t skimp!
Whipped peanut butter: The star ingredient in your luxurious peanut butter glaze.
Granulated sugar (for glaze): Adds sweetness and makes the peanut butter drizzle shine.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 5×9-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter to guarantee your loaf comes out clean and beautiful every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple whisking makes sure everything is evenly distributed, so your bread rises perfectly and each slice is deliciously consistent.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process is key for a light texture, so don’t rush it—fluffiness here means tenderness later!

Step 4: Add Eggs One by One

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the bowl after each. This ensures your batter is silky smooth and evenly blended—no scrambled eggs allowed!

Step 5: Blend in Bananas, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the bowl. This trio is what makes every slice of Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread super moist and full of rich, layered flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (and Add Treats!)

Turn your mixer to low and gently beat in the flour mixture. Fold in the mini peanut butter cups until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix; this keeps the bread tender and lets the peanut butter cups stay whole and gooey within the loaf.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little chocolate smudge from the cups is just fine). Let it cool before adding the glaze.

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Peanut Butter Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the whipped peanut butter and granulated sugar. Heat in the microwave briefly until melted, then let it cool slightly. Pour the glaze into a ziptop bag, snip a small corner, and generously drizzle over the bread. This sweet-salty finish is what transforms Banana Bread into a Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread masterpiece!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect loaf, garnish with a scattering of chopped mini peanut butter cups or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the peanut butter glaze. A touch of powdered sugar always adds a delicate, pretty finish, too.

Side Dishes

This banana bread is rich enough to stand alone, but it’s fantastic alongside a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. If you’re serving brunch, fresh strawberries or a dollop of Greek yogurt round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread thick and turn it into a decadent French toast, cube it for a dessert trifle, or serve wedges with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra peanut butter sauce for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bread is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and get even more irresistible on day two!

Freezing

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread freezes wonderfully. For best results, slice the loaf, wrap each slice individually in plastic, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw slices at room temperature for a quick, on-the-go treat.

Reheating

To rekindle that just-baked magic, warm your slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds. The peanut butter cups get gooey all over again, and the bread tastes impossibly fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of whipped?

Yes, you can! Whipped peanut butter is lighter and easier to drizzle, but regular creamy peanut butter works beautifully—just microwave until it’s thin enough to pour.

Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups?

Mini peanut butter cups are ideal for gorgeous little pockets in every bite, but feel free to chop regular-sized ones or even use peanut butter chips for a slightly different texture.

Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the recipe stays just as luscious.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Those deep brown, spotty bananas that look too far gone are perfect for maximum sweetness and depth in this banana bread.

What’s the best way to transport Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread?

Let the loaf cool completely and keep it in its pan, covered securely with foil or plastic wrap. Add the drizzle right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that feels playful and special, Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread is the answer. It’s cozy, over-the-top, and guaranteed to bring smiles—give this recipe a try and let yourself savor the magic of two classic flavors baked into one unforgettable loaf!

Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent combination of peanut butter and banana with this Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread. Moist and flavorful, this bread is studded with mini peanut butter cups and topped with a sweet peanut butter glaze.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter and both sugars until fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.

Beat in banana, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

With mixer on low, beat in flour and mini peanut butter cups.

Pour into a greased 5X9-inch loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
Mix together peanut butter and sugar. Microwave until melted. Let cool slightly and place in a ziptop bag. Snip one of the corners and drizzle the glaze on top of the bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American