This Reese Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread is a decadent twist on classic banana bread, loaded with rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors. The mini Reese’s cups are folded into the batter and melted into gooey pockets of peanut buttery goodness, making this treat utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 28 mini Reese’s cups, divided (22 for folding into the batter, 6 for topping)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating Reese’s cups)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium-sized bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, toss 22 mini Reese’s cups with 1 tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the beaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the mashed bananas and whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the floured Reese’s cups using a spatula. Be careful not to crush the candies.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Press the remaining 6 mini Reese’s cups evenly into the top of the batter for a decorative finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but no wet batter). If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a glass of milk or coffee for an indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Banana Ripeness: Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and flavor. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, bake them in their peels at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes to soften and sweeten them.
- Flour Coating: Coating the Reese’s cups in flour prevents them from sinking and ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the bread.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Reese Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread combines the moist, comforting texture of banana bread with the rich, melty goodness of Reese’s cups. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet banana, creamy peanut butter, and chocolatey indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gifting to a friend, or simply treating yourself, this bread is guaranteed to impress. Dive into this decadent creation and savor every slice!