Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Moist, sweet, and rich with Reese’s flavor, this banana bread is a soft, candy-filled loaf that’s easy to make and totally irresistible.

RecipeRate
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
60 min
Total Time
75 min
Servings
12 slices
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Looking for the perfect sweet fix? This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread delivers a rich, moist loaf packed with creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chunks of your favorite candy.

Reese’s peanut butter banana bread slice with melty candy center
Thick slice of Reese’s peanut butter banana bread showing gooey melted candy
Table of Contents

Intro & Personal Story

What is Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

There’s something magical about banana bread it’s like comfort wrapped in a golden slice. But the day we added Reese’s to the mix? That’s when everything changed. One afternoon, we spotted three too-soft bananas on the counter and a leftover stash of Halloween Reese’s Cups. We tossed them together in one bowl, not thinking much of it. The aroma that filled our kitchen? Pure joy. See also: reeses-peanut-butter-earthquake-cake.

Our Reese’s peanut butter banana bread was born from that moment. It’s tender, sweet, and bursting with peanut butter richness in every bite and those chunks of melted candy? Game-changer. This isn’t your grandma’s banana bread (though she’d definitely ask for seconds).

The combination of nutty peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chopped Reese’s creates a loaf that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or turning heads at your next potluck. It’s like a cozy hug from your favorite dessert. And while it’s baked, it totally belongs in the chilled-dessert club with our no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake and high-protein cheesecake jars. Easy, fun, and always crowd-pleasing.

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Reese’s peanut butter banana bread slice with melty candy center

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread


  • Author: Emma & Ella
  • Total Time: 75 min
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist, sweet, and rich with Reese’s flavor, this banana bread is a soft, candy-filled loaf that’s easy to make and totally irresistible.


Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed

½ cup creamy peanut butter

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup milk (or buttermilk)

1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mash bananas in a: Mash bananas in a large bowl. Mix in peanut butter and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Add both sugars and: Add both sugars and stir until dissolved.
  4. Beat in eggs one: Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
  5. In a separate bowl: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Add dry ingredients to: Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk. Mix gently.
  7. Fold in most of: Fold in most of the chopped Reese’s. Save some for topping.
  8. Pour batter into pan: Pour batter into pan. Top with remaining Reese’s.
  9. Bake for 55–65 minutes: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  10. Cool 15 minutes in: Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.

Swap in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you like.

This bread is even better the next day and freezes beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Why You’ll Love It

This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread isn’t just another loaf. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Incredibly moist thanks to overripe bananas and creamy peanut butter.
  • Chunks of chopped Reese’s Cups melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey bliss.
  • It slices beautifully perfect for brunch spreads or lunchbox surprises.
  • The option to add Reese’s Pieces gives it extra color, crunch, and candy-shop vibes.
  • It keeps well and freezes like a dream.

It’s also a no-fuss recipe: no mixer, no weird steps. Just a bowl, a spoon, and some sweet baking magic. We love how it brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into something that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and a little bit exciting.

Warm with coffee or chilled with milk — this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is the kind of recipe that sticks.

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Quick Overview

Sometimes, you just want the highlights before diving in. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance about this irresistible Reese’s peanut butter banana bread from prep time to candy-packed goodness.

DetailsInfo
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time60 minutes
Total Time75 minutes
Yield12 slices
DifficultyEasy

soft texture, sweet flavor, and cozy vibes and layers in chocolatey, candy-studded surprises. It’s the kind of loaf that makes weekday mornings feel like the weekend.

The chopped Reese’s Cups add gooey bites that remind us of our brownie refrigerator cake recipe melty, rich, and just a little decadent. And with a base of mashed bananas and creamy peanut butter, this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is a dream match for both sweet and salty fans.

Planning a dessert board or brunch table? Pair this loaf with something chilled like our strawberry cake and cheesecake for the ultimate sweet spread.

Ingredients

To make the best Reese’s peanut butter banana bread, you only need a handful of simple pantry ingredients. What makes this loaf special is how each part from ripe bananas to melted candy creates a soft, rich, and peanut-buttery masterpiece. Don’t skip the Reese’s candy it’s what takes this from good to next-level delicious.

Ingredients for Reese’s peanut butter banana bread in ceramic bowls
All ingredients needed for Reese’s peanut butter banana bread recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk (buttermilk works too for added richness)
  • 1 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • ½ cup Reese’s Pieces (optional for crunch and color)

The best thing about this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread recipe is how customizable it is. You can use mini or full-size Reese’s Cups, or swap in chocolate chips if that’s what you’ve got. Want extra texture? Stir in some chopped nuts or top the batter with crushed candy before baking.

We love keeping a stash of Reese’s Pieces on hand because they also work beautifully in our mint chocolate pudding cookies or crumbled over no-bake Easter cheesecake.

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When choosing bananas, go for the ones with deep brown spots the riper, the better. They add moisture and natural sweetness, which complements the bold peanut butter flavor and the chocolate candy chunks beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is as easy as mash, mix, pour, and bake. You don’t need a mixer, and you don’t need to be a pro baker just a love for peanut butter and bananas.

Folding chopped Reese’s into banana bread batter
Mixing chopped Reese’s Cups into peanut butter banana bread batter

Follow these simple steps and get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and melted butter until smooth and combined.
  3. Add the sugars both white and brown and stir until dissolved.
  4. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. The batter should be silky and glossy.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the wet mix. Fold gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in most of the chopped Reese’s Cups, saving a handful to sprinkle on top. If you’re adding Reese’s Pieces, toss them in now too.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and add the remaining candy pieces for a beautiful finish.
  9. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

This Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is ultra-moist and even better the next day. We love serving it slightly warm, just like we do with our brownie-in-a-mug or chilled with a glass of milk, like our creamy cheesecake and brownie cake.

Once you’ve tried this, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite loaf especially with those gooey pockets of melted Reese’s in every slice.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Reese’s peanut butter banana bread has cooled, it’s time for the best part: slicing and serving. This loaf is rich, moist, and loaded with flavor, so it’s perfect for nearly any time of day.

Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it:

1. Breakfast Treat
A thick, warm slice of Reese’s peanut butter banana bread pairs beautifully with hot coffee or a cold glass of milk. Toast it lightly for a crisp edge and spread on a bit of butter or even more peanut butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

2. Chilled Afternoon Snack
Pop a slice in the fridge and serve it cold it firms up perfectly without losing that soft center. We love enjoying it this way alongside our date brownie balls for a low-effort, sweet-and-savory combo.

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3. Dessert Time
For an easy dessert, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra drama like a Reese’s sundae, banana bread edition.

4. Gift-Worthy Bake
Wrap slices in parchment, tie them up with twine, and gift them to friends, coworkers, or neighbors. It holds up well at room temperature for a few days and travels beautifully.

5. Sweet Party Platter Addition
Add it to a dessert board with other crowd-pleasers like our no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake or fruit-based treats. It holds its own without being too rich or too light.

However you slice it (literally), Reese’s peanut butter banana bread fits right into your lifestyle whether that’s a cozy solo breakfast or a treat to share with guests. You can even freeze individual slices and reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds when cravings hit.

Pro Tips & Storage

You’re already on your way to baking the perfect Reese’s peanut butter banana bread, but these simple tips will make your loaf even better more moist, more flavorful, and longer-lasting.

Served slice of Reese’s peanut butter banana bread with melted candy
Plated slice of Reese’s banana bread with melted Reese’s and candy topping

Pro Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor

  • Use extra ripe bananas. The spottier and softer they are, the sweeter and more banana-rich your bread will taste.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Stir gently until the dry ingredients just disappear. Overmixing can make your bread dense or rubbery.
  • Chop your Reese’s Cups slightly larger. This gives you gooey, melty pockets of chocolate and peanut butter in every slice.
  • Buttermilk bonus. If you have it, swap regular milk for buttermilk it adds an extra layer of richness and helps tenderize the crumb.
  • Try it cold. Believe it or not, Reese’s peanut butter banana bread tastes incredible chilled. The candy sets slightly and the flavors intensify.

This loaf is just as satisfying as our no-bake banana cream pie bars and as eye-catching as our date chocolate bark, especially with a few extra Reese’s Pieces sprinkled on top.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temp: Store your cooled Reese’s peanut butter banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 6–7 days. Just warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  • Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight.

If you’re planning ahead or baking for a crowd, freezing a loaf means you’ll always have dessert ready no last-minute baking stress.

FAQs

Is Reese’s peanut butter sweet?

Yes, Reese’s peanut butter has a noticeably sweet and slightly salty flavor. It’s creamier and more dessert-like than regular peanut butter, making it perfect for baking. That sweetness pairs beautifully with the ripe bananas in Reese’s peanut butter banana bread, creating a rich balance of flavors.

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What is the proper way to eat a Reese’s peanut butter cup?

There’s no wrong way but we love them chopped and baked into soft banana bread. For the ultimate bite, try a warm slice of Reese’s peanut butter banana bread with a bit of melty candy inside. You can also crumble extra Reese’s on top before baking for texture and a gooey finish.

Do banana and peanut butter go well together?

Absolutely. The natural sweetness of bananas and the nutty creaminess of peanut especially in baked treats. That combo is why this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread works so well. If you’re a fan of this duo, check out our smoothie king angel food recipe for another banana-forward treat with creamy vibes.

What ingredients are in Reese’s peanut butter?

Reese’s peanut butter includes roasted peanuts, sugar, salt, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and molasses. It’s specifically designed to be smoother and sweeter than typical peanut butter, which enhances the dessert experience in recipes like this Reese’s peanut butter banana bread or fun bakes like our no-bake Easter cheesecake.

No matter how many banana bread recipes you’ve tried, this one hits differently. The blend of rich peanut butter, sweet ripe bananas, and pockets of melty Reese’s makes every bite a dessert worth remembering. It’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

So grab those spotted bananas, unwrap a few Reese’s Cups, and get baking. Your kitchen’s about to smell amazing, and your slice of Reese’s peanut butter banana bread is waiting.

And if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more no-bake and easy-bake dessert inspiration from The Cooking Twins.

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Ella Frost
Behind the recipe

Ella Frost

Ella Frost is co-founder and no-bake dessert specialist at The Cooking Twins. She develops and tests the site's no-bake recipes, bars, and cheesecakes, with a focus on the texture and precision details that decide whether a bar slices cleanly or a no-bake sets properly. Every recipe she publishes has been made independently and cross-checked with Emma before going live. Find her on LinkedIn or reach the team at hello@thecookingtwins.com.More recipes from Ella Frost

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