Description
Deliciously moist and rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread, combining the flavors of peanut butter, ripe bananas, and cocoa for a perfect sweet treat. This loaf is topped with fresh banana slices and a creamy peanut butter drizzle, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup peanut butter, slightly melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- banana slices (optional, about 1/2 a banana)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (preferably Skippy, for melting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly melted peanut butter, sugar, mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are smooth and evenly blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract into the wet mixture. Once combined, fold in the all-purpose flour gently, ensuring not to overmix for a tender bread texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the lined loaf pan, smoothing the top. Arrange thin banana slices over the batter to add an attractive and flavorful topping.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for 20 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before adding the peanut butter drizzle.
- Melt Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter by heating it for 30 seconds, then stir. If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds until smooth and slightly runny.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the cooled banana bread. Slice and serve to enjoy the rich combination of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter flavors.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter (like Skippy) for best melting results; natural peanut butter may not melt smoothly.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or light olive oil if preferred.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free alternative, omit peanut butter and replace with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
