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If you are a peanut butter fanatic searching for a truly sensational treat, this Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Imagine a moist, tender banana bread infused with rich peanut butter, studded with melty chocolate chips, and crowned with a luscious, cloud-like peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, creating a comforting yet indulgent snack or dessert that will quickly become your go-to for sharing or savoring solo. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your new favorite peanut butter and banana combo delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in the final flavor and texture. From the perfectly ripe bananas that add natural sweetness and moisture, to the whole wheat pastry flour that gives the bread a tender crumb, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this peanut butter banana bread absolutely irresistible.
- Extra ripe large bananas (3): They provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread moist without added sugars.
- Eggs (2): Act as a binder and add richness to the bread’s texture.
- Creamy or crunchy peanut butter (½ cup): Adds that signature nutty flavor and a luscious creaminess to the batter.
- Pure maple syrup (⅓ cup): For a natural, subtle sweetness that complements the bananas; can swap with brown or coconut sugar.
- Dairy free milk (⅓ cup): Keeps the batter smooth and moist; use your favorite plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides a tender crumb and wholesome texture without being too dense.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- Chocolate chips (⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons): Give pockets of melty chocolate in each bite and a gorgeous finishing touch on top.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) for frosting: Adds richness and helps create that creamy frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
How to Make Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 ½ x 4 ½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the inside well to prevent sticking. This ensures your beautiful banana bread comes out easily and maintains its shape perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy—about 1 1/3 cups worth. Add the eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, dairy free milk, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until everything is perfectly blended. This mixture forms the rich, flavorful base that keeps your bread moist and wonderfully peanut-buttery.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix adds structure along with a subtle spicy warmth. Once combined, fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet banana mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep that tender crumb texture. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for little bursts of gooey sweetness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, checking around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the middle—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely, prepping it for the crowning glory: frosting.
Step 5: Whip Up the Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting
Once your banana bread is fully cooled, it’s time to make the luscious peanut butter frosting. Using an electric mixer, whip together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until light and airy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until you reach a silky, fluffy consistency. If you want an extra creamy frosting, a slight splash more milk will do the trick. Spread it generously over the cooled bread and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips for that perfect finished touch.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your banana bread beautifully. Toasted chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch and extra peanut punch. A drizzle of melted peanut butter or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting instantly creates a professional flair that impresses every time.
Side Dishes
This peanut buttery bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. Fresh berries also introduce a juicy, tart brightness that balances the richness fantastically.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this bread as part of a brunch spread? Slice it thick and toast lightly for extra warmth and crunch. Or cut into bite-size squares for party platters alongside coffee or tea. Wrapping individual slices in parchment with a little ribbon creates adorable grab-and-go gifts for friends who also adore this Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy breakfast or snacks without any fuss.
Freezing
Banana bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months. When you want a tasty treat later, simply thaw at room temperature or pop slices directly into the toaster or oven.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked warmth back, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. If refrigerating, reheating not only revives the softness but also enhances the aroma, making every bite feel like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a little extra texture and nutty crunch inside the bread, which pairs wonderfully with the soft crumb and melty chocolate chips.
What if I don’t have whole wheat pastry flour?
All-purpose flour is a fine substitute if you don’t have whole wheat pastry flour. The bread might be slightly less dense, but still delicious. For a healthier twist, use white whole wheat flour if available.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use flax eggs or a chia seed egg alternative in place of regular eggs, and swap the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
How ripe do the bananas need to be?
The riper, the better! Those spotted, almost brown bananas are perfect because they’re bursting with natural sugars and moisture, which makes this bread deliciously sweet and tender.
Can I skip the frosting?
Definitely! The bread itself is incredibly flavorful and moist on its own. The frosting is a decadent finishing touch if you want a dessert-worthy treat, but the bread tastes amazing without it too.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is truly a joyful celebration of peanut butter and bananas in every bite. It is simple enough to whip up on a quiet afternoon but special enough to share with family and friends. Once you bake it, expect it to become your new favorite comfort food that satisfies your sweet tooth with wholesome ingredients. Give it a try soon and prepare to fall in love all over again with the magic of peanut butter and banana baked into one irresistibly fluffy loaf!
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Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
This Peanut Butter Lover’s Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful treat combining ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting, it makes an irresistible snack or dessert perfect for peanut butter fans.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 extra ripe large bananas, mashed (about 1 1/3 cups mashed banana)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (e.g., Wild Friends)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or substitute ½ cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar)
- 1/3 cup dairy free milk of choice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins:
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips, dairy free if desired
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (for sprinkling on top)
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature (or substitute vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons dairy free milk of choice, to make the frosting creamy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the inside to prevent sticking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, dairy free milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. Fold in the chocolate chips carefully.
- Bake the banana bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
- Prepare the peanut butter frosting: Once the bread has cooled, in a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together softened butter and peanut butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of dairy free milk. Beat initially on low speed to incorporate, then increase to high and continue beating for about two minutes until creamy. If desired, add another ½ tablespoon of milk to reach your preferred frosting consistency and beat again.
- Frost and garnish: Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread. Sprinkle the additional chocolate chips on top as a finishing touch. Slice and serve. This recipe makes 12 servings.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted with white whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
- To keep it dairy free, choose plant-based milk and vegan butter for the frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf; fold ingredients gently.
- Check the bread towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking and dryness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian