The moment you slice into this Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you’ll be greeted by a rich aroma of roasted peanuts and caramelized banana. Topped with a silky maple glaze, each bite melts in your mouth with a balance of sweetness and warmth.
This loaf is perfect for cozy mornings, lazy afternoons, or an indulgent midnight snack. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at your next brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in no time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Maple Glaze:
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1 tablespoon butter
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1/4 cup pure maple syrup
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, peanut butter, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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While bread cools, prepare glaze: melt butter in a small saucepan, add maple syrup and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
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Once bread is fully cooled, drizzle glaze over the top. Let glaze set before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
The Comfort and Flavor of Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze
There’s something timeless and comforting about banana bread. It evokes the warmth of home, the aroma of baked bananas wafting through the kitchen, and the satisfaction of transforming ripe bananas into something magical. But when you elevate a classic like banana bread with the rich creaminess of peanut butter and finish it with a glossy maple glaze? You don’t just have banana bread anymore, you have an unforgettable baked treat.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze is a dream come true for lovers of sweet, nutty, and moist quick breads. It’s easy enough for a beginner baker yet refined enough to serve at brunch, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings. The recipe harmoniously blends flavors and textures, the bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, the peanut butter adds richness and depth, and the maple glaze introduces a caramel-like finish that melts on the tongue.
Let’s dive into what makes this loaf so special, how to best enjoy it, and the little touches that will make it your new favorite.
Why Peanut Butter and Banana is a Match Made in Baking Heaven
Peanut butter and banana are a classic pairing, and it’s easy to understand why. The earthy, salty richness of peanut butter complements the natural sugars and mild acidity of ripe bananas. When baked together, they fuse into a soft, fragrant bread with a satisfying texture and flavor profile that balances nutty, sweet, and buttery notes.
This pairing isn’t just about flavor, it’s also about texture. Bananas keep baked goods moist, even days after baking. Peanut butter adds density and creaminess, making every bite feel indulgent. Together, they create a loaf that stays soft and rich from the moment it comes out of the oven until the last slice is gone.
The Role of Maple Glaze: Not Just a Pretty Topping
While the bread itself is delicious on its own, the maple glaze truly takes it to the next level. It’s a silky, sweet finish that brings a hint of caramel and vanilla to every bite. Maple syrup, unlike granulated sugar, has a depth that plays beautifully with both bananas and peanut butter.
The glaze is made simply, with butter, real maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla. As it cools, it firms slightly, creating a thin shell of sweetness on top of the bread. This adds not just a visual appeal but a luxurious mouthfeel that contrasts perfectly with the tender crumb beneath it.
Using real maple syrup is key here. Imitation syrups tend to be overly sweet without the complexity and richness of genuine maple. For best results, opt for Grade A amber maple syrup or darker varieties for a bolder maple flavor.
When and How to Serve This Loaf
This bread is as versatile as it is flavorful. It can easily transition from a breakfast item to a dessert, or even a midday snack with a warm beverage.
For Breakfast or Brunch:
Serve warm slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and fresh berries on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or a latte. If you’re hosting brunch, cut the loaf into thick slices and display it on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
As a Snack or Dessert:
Pair a slice with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. The peanut butter and banana base means it’s filling enough to satisfy you between meals, yet sweet enough to qualify as a treat.
For Gifting or Sharing:
This recipe makes a fantastic homemade gift, especially when baked in mini loaf pans. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a beautiful, edible present during the holidays or as a hostess gift.
Customization Ideas for Every Preference
Although this bread is already packed with flavor, it’s highly adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
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Add Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips create bursts of indulgent richness. Mini chips work best to maintain a smooth crumb.
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Swirl in Jam: Swirling raspberry or strawberry jam into the batter before baking gives you a PB&J-style loaf.
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Make it Vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and dairy-free milk in the glaze to keep it vegan-friendly.
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Boost the Nutrition: Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), chia seeds, or ground flaxseed for extra texture and health benefits.
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Make Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes for delicious, portable peanut butter banana muffins.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
One of the best things about this bread is that it stays moist for several days, thanks to the bananas and peanut butter. Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, just allow it to come to room temperature before serving to regain its softness.
This bread also freezes well. Slice it, wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. You can pop a slice straight into the toaster oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
So many banana bread recipes exist online, in cookbooks, and in family recipe boxes, but this one stands out. It combines familiar pantry staples into a loaf that feels gourmet yet deeply nostalgic.
It’s a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas, it’s budget-friendly, and it fills your home with the most irresistible scent. More importantly, it delivers consistent results every time. Whether you’re a beginner learning to bake or an experienced home cook looking for your next hit recipe, this Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze won’t disappoint.
Plus, it’s kid-approved and adult-adored. The flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a go-to option for families, potlucks, and bake sales.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze is more than just a quick bread, it’s an experience. Each element, from the ripe bananas to the velvety peanut butter and the glossy maple glaze, works in harmony to create a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy weekend brunch, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just to satisfy a craving, this bread delivers on both taste and comfort. The beauty of baking is that it’s as much about the process as the final product, and this recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat.
Try it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for your ripe bananas just so you can make it again.