Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake, combining the sweet nostalgia of a childhood favorite with the cozy richness of homemade banana bread. Moist and flavorful, this recipe layers creamy peanut butter and fruity jam into a tender banana bread loaf, creating swirls of flavor in every slice. It’s the perfect snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, offering both indulgence and familiarity. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the nutty depth of peanut butter and the tangy sweetness of jelly, making this a loaf that feels both classic and playful. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your favorite jam flavors, and ideal for using up ripe bananas. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with extra peanut butter on top, this banana bread is a delightful twist you’ll want to bake again and again.
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Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread – A Nostalgic Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic twist on classic banana bread, this recipe combines creamy peanut butter and swirls of sweet jelly for a moist, flavorful loaf that tastes like a PB&J sandwich in dessert form.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry or grape jelly
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the jelly over the batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and jelly.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top if using.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Try different jellies such as raspberry, blackberry, or apricot for variety.
- Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas – Provide natural sweetness and moisture for the loaf.
Creamy peanut butter – Adds nutty richness and pairs perfectly with bananas.
All-purpose flour – Forms the base structure of the banana bread.
Baking soda – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
Granulated sugar – Lightens the texture while sweetening.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Unsalted butter – Melted, for extra moisture and flavor.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors in the batter.
Fruit jelly or jam – Strawberry, grape, or raspberry swirled into the batter for a sweet, tangy finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, then drop spoonfuls of jelly across the surface. Use a knife to swirl gently. Add the remaining batter on top, followed by more dollops of jelly, swirling lightly again.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 1 loaf (about 10 slices). Preparation takes 15 minutes, and baking requires 55–65 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Crunchy peanut butter – Use crunchy instead of creamy for added texture.
Different jams – Try apricot, blackberry, or cherry for unique flavor twists.
Nut topping – Sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts on top before baking.
Chocolate swirl – Add chocolate chips or Nutella alongside the jelly for extra indulgence.
Healthier option – Replace some flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Mini loaves or muffins – Bake in smaller pans or muffin tins for individual servings.
Layered version – Create distinct peanut butter and jelly layers instead of swirls.
Cinnamon spice – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth.
Frosted loaf – Drizzle with a peanut butter glaze once cooled.
Vegan version – Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter and eggs.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred to avoid excess oil separation.
What type of jelly works best?
Strawberry and grape are classic, but any fruit jam works.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes, adjust the baking time to 18–22 minutes for muffins.
Why is my banana bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can make it dense—mix only until just combined.
Do I need to refrigerate the bread?
Only if storing for more than 3 days; otherwise, room temperature is fine.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans for larger batches.
How do I keep the jelly from sinking?
Layer it between batter instead of placing it all at once.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, replace ¼ cup of flour with protein powder for a boost.
How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe, with lots of brown spots, for best sweetness and moisture.
Can I freeze the whole loaf?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread is a fun, nostalgic take on a classic recipe, blending the rich flavors of peanut butter and sweet jelly with moist, tender banana bread. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With its playful swirls of jelly and nutty undertones, this loaf is both comforting and exciting—a recipe that will delight kids and adults alike.
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