Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut butter banana bread is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet, natural flavor of bananas, resulting in a moist and flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. This recipe, which yields a single 9×5 inch loaf, can be prepared in just about an hour, including both preparation and baking time, making it an excellent choice for busy days or when you want to whip up something quick and delicious.

Let’s dive into the details of making this wonderful peanut butter banana bread.

Ingredients:

1. Skim Milk: 1 cup – Skim milk is a great choice for those who prefer a lower-fat option. It contributes to the bread’s moistness without adding extra fat.
2. White Sugar: 1 cup – This adds the necessary sweetness to the bread, balancing the flavors of the peanut butter and bananas.
3. Peanut Butter: 3/4 cup – Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe. It gives the bread a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to its moist texture.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract adds a subtle but important flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bread.
5. Bananas: 2 large, chopped – Bananas are a key ingredient in this recipe. They should be ripe, as riper bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to the bread’s moist, dense texture.
6. White Flour: 1 1/4 cups – White flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
7. Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup – Whole wheat flour adds a nutritional boost and a slightly nuttier flavor compared to white flour alone.
8. Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – This is a leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
9. Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the peanut butter and bananas beautifully.
10. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – A little salt is essential in baking as it enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Directions:

1. Preparing the Wet Ingredients: Start by combining the wet ingredients. In a blender, pour in 1 cup of skim milk. Add 1 cup of white sugar, 3/4 cup of peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Chop two large bananas and add them to the blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth. The blending process is crucial as it ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly, and no large chunks of banana remain.
2. Sifting the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups of white flour, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sifting not only combines these ingredients thoroughly but also aerates the flours, making the bread lighter.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the banana mixture into the bowl with the sifted dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, mix well until the ingredients are just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
4. Preparing the Loaf Pan: Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and makes it easy to remove after baking.
5. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once heated, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to check the bread after 40 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling: After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan. This rest period lets the bread set and makes slicing easier. Once cooled, carefully remove the bread from the pan and slice it.

Servings and Serving Suggestions:

This recipe serves multiple people, depending on the size of the slices. Peanut butter banana bread can be enjoyed on its own, or you can spread a little butter, cream cheese, or even more peanut butter on top for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Preparation and Total Time:

Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes to measure and mix the ingredients. Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes (including 45 minutes of baking time).

Conclusion:

Peanut butter banana bread is a fantastic treat that’s not only delicious but also relatively easy to make. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re serving it to guests, enjoying it as a family snack, or simply indulging in a slice yourself, this bread is sure to be a hit. The combination of peanut butter and banana is classic and loved by many, making this bread a versatile and popular choice for any occasion.