There’s something about the smell of banana bread wafting through the house that instantly makes me feel cozy — like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly morning. But here’s the secret: turn that classic comfort recipe into something even better, more wholesome, and honestly, a little more fun, by adding creamy peanut butter, fresh apples, and ripe bananas. I always do this when I want a snack that feels indulgent but still healthy enough to eat for breakfast. My kids ask for this all the time, and I love that I can sneak in a fruit or two without their noses crinkling at the sight of it. Plus, it’s so easy—you’ll have a slice in minutes, no fuss, no complicated steps. Trust me on this, once you try this peanut butter apple banana bread, it’ll become your go-to, too. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake a whole cake. Come on, let’s get baking! This one’s a total lifesaver on busy nights or lazy weekends when you just want to enjoy homey, comforting smells filling your kitchen. Ready? Let’s do it!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is peanut butter banana bread?
Think of peanut butter apple banana bread as a delightful twist on your everyday banana bread — a mashup of flavors that somehow just works. It’s essentially a moist, tender loaf packed with the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter, the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, and the fresh crispness of apples. The name says it all: peanut butter, apple, banana bread. It’s a no-fuss, deliciously versatile treat that can be breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert. The idea is simple — combining familiar, wholesome ingredients into a comforting loaf with a little extra flair. The apples add a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness, and the peanut butter adds a wonderful layer of richness—think of it as a hug in food form. This recipe is inspired by those lazy weekend mornings when I want something nourishing yet indulgent, all while feeling a bit sneaky because I know I’m packing in some fruit and healthy fats. It’s friendly for both beginners and seasoned bakers, and I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making it every other week!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about this peanut butter apple banana bread is how it hits every note — sweet, nutty, fruity, and downright comforting. The flavor combo is unexpected but so delicious, kind of like your favorite peanut butter and banana toast, but in loaf form. It’s super simple, too. I’ve tested this with different flours, and honestly, whole wheat or almond flour works beautifully if you’re into that. Plus, it’s budget-friendly — most of what you need are ingredients you already keep in your pantry or fridge. My kids ask for this as a breakfast on busy mornings, and it disappears in minutes at my house. It’s also versatile. You can toast slices and smear on some extra peanut butter, spread a little honey on top, or just enjoy it as is with a big cup of coffee. And it’s perfect for meal prep because it keeps well, stays moist, and honestly, gets better after a day or two. What I love most is that it’s not just a treat — it’s nourishing, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent without feeling guilty. It’s a winner for the whole family.
How do I make banana bread with peanut butter and bananas?
Quick Overview
This bread comes together in about an hour — no crazy techniques, just straightforward mixing and baking. You’ll mash the bananas, grate or chop the apples, and whisk together your wet ingredients. The secret is in folding everything gently to keep the loaf light and tender. Once the batter is ready, you swirl in sliced apples and a swirl of peanut butter—my little signature move—and then bake until the edges are golden, and a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a super forgiving recipe, so even if you overmix a little or miss a step, it still turns out amazing. The smell alone will draw everyone into the kitchen, and I promise, one slice is never enough!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed — the sweeter, the better, and they add moisture and natural flavor
- 1/2 cup peanut butter — creamy or chunky, your choice! I usually go for creamy, but Chunky adds nice texture
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup — for just a touch of extra sweetness (optional, if bananas are very ripe)
- 2 large eggs — to bind everything together
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter — for richness and moisture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — because, why not?
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour — flexible, depending on your mood
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — it enhances all those flavors
For the Filling:
- 1 large crisp apple, diced or grated — Granny Smith or Fuji work beautifully
- Extra peanut butter for swirling — about 1/4 cup
For the Glaze (optional):
“New family favorite! This Nutty Apple Banana Bread Recipe was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar mixed with a teaspoon of milk or lemon juice — for a quick drizzle
- Or simply honey and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a more rustic look
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper — I always do this because cleanup is a breeze! Set aside. This step makes all the difference for easy removal and a nice crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients get along famously and give your bread its rise. Sifting or whisking thoroughly prevents lumps and ensures even distribution — it’s a small step, but I swear it makes a big difference.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your bananas well — I like it really smooth, but a few lumps won’t hurt. Add the peanut butter, honey, eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, glossy, and fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly at this point!
Step 4: Combine
Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, folding gently with a spatula. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so just mix until everything is combined. You want a batter that’s thick but scoopable. If it looks too stiff, a splash of milk can loosen it up.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the batter is coming together, dice or grate your apple. I love using a tart apple here because it adds a fresh zing that balances the richness of peanut butter and sweetness of bananas. Have your extra peanut butter ready for swirling—set aside a few spoonfuls for that marbled effect.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the diced apples over it. Dollop about half of the peanut butter on top and gently swirl with a toothpick or skewer. Repeat with the remaining batter, apples, and peanut butter. Swirling the peanut butter creates beautiful marbling and bursts of flavor in every bite — it’s worth the little extra effort!
Step 7: Bake
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil and keep baking. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
When done, let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This cooling step is key to avoiding crumbles. If you’re glazing, mix up the powdered sugar and milk, drizzle over the cooled loaf, and sprinkle with nuts or extra apple slices for prettiness.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten a better Nutty Apple Banana Bread Recipe. The rub alone is wonderful, but the sauce??? Over the top!”
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut into thick slices — I find leaving it to cool completely gives the cleanest cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature. I love it with just a smear of additional peanut butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s perfect with your morning coffee or as a wholesome afternoon treat.
What to Serve It With
This bread is so versatile that the ways to enjoy it are endless. For breakfast, I love to toast a slice and top it with a little more peanut butter and sliced bananas — it’s basically a peanut butter banana toast in loaf form. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a latte on cozy mornings. During brunch, serve slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries — that tangy contrast complements the sweetness perfectly. If you’re thinking dessert, warm slices with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce turn this humble loaf into something decadent. And for a quick snack, it’s great plain or with a smear of nut butter. Honestly, my family eats it so fast that I’ve learned to double the batch — once you make it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Apple Banana Bread
From years of baking this, I’ve picked up a few tricks. First, don’t skimp on the bananas—they should be super ripe and soft. Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture, making the bread tender and flavorful. I always test my dry mixture by whisking it well; lumps are sneaky and can mess with the rise. When folding the wet and dry, be gentle — overmixing is the quickest way to dense batter. For the apples, I prefer grating, so they distribute evenly, but dicing works just as well and looks prettier in slices. If your peanut butter is thick, warm it slightly to make swirling easier. When it comes to baking, the timing depends a bit on your oven—checking with a toothpick is key. I once left it in 5 minutes longer expecting perfection, only to find it a tiny bit dry! So, don’t rely solely on time—trust your toothpick. For the glaze, if you want a shiny finish, mix powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice instead of milk. And feel free to experiment: add a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. The little tweaks here and there make your loaf uniquely yours. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Patience! Letting it cool completely guarantees that perfect slice without crumbles falling all over the place. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to eyeball the batter, swirl the peanut butter like a pro, and bake with confidence!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This bread keeps surprisingly well. If you’re enjoying it within a day or two, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. It stays moist for about 2 days — just be sure it’s cool before wrapping to prevent condensation. For longer storage, the fridge is your friend: pop it into an airtight container and enjoy it within a week. The fridge actually helps the flavors meld and keeps it fresh. Want to keep it even longer? Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. I like to slice it before freezing so I can grab a piece whenever a snack attack strikes. To reheat, toast a slice or warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds — it tastes just like fresh. If you’ve glazed it, I recommend adding the glaze after reheating because it still looks pretty and fresh that way. Just defrost at room temp or in the fridge overnight, and your homemade goodness is ready to go. Keeping it fresh or reheated, this loaf never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This peanut butter apple banana bread has become my family’s favorite little indulgence. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make me feel good about sneaking bites after a long day. Every time I make it, I get smiles and requests for seconds — proof that sometimes, simple things like a loaf of good bread can bring so much joy. I love experimenting with little variations—adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, walnuts, or a splash of vanilla—and seeing how it transforms the whole loaf. Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a quick dessert, this bread never fails to hit the spot. I urge you to give it a try — make it your own, tweak the ingredients, and most importantly, enjoy the process. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Drop a comment below or share your version — happy baking, friends! — and remember, the best part is the warm slice and your smile sitting across the table. Cheers to home baking magic!
peanut butter apple banana bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 0.33 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup grated apples
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or grease lightly with butter, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in mashed bananas, grated apples, and peanut butter chips gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
