I used to run a food stall at a farmer’s market many years ago. I sold these banana loaves and every week I would bake more than the previous week, and every week I would sell out after a few hours. People went bananas for my flavored banana breads. When I stopped doing the market (trying to fit in all the baking and cooking while writing my second book was pretty impossible), I didn’t want to see or smell banana bread after baking so many but yesterday I had a whole bunch of too-soft-to-eat bananas and thought I’d make this as an after-school treat for the twins. I used peanut butter to flavour this bread but I’ve done the same with Nutella and dulce de leche. Peanut butter and banana is a match made in heaven and if it was good enough for the Elvis, it’s good enough for me.
How to make peanut butter banana bread
Cream together room temperature butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract and mix. Using bananas that are completely overripe will ensure your banana bread has the most delicious flavor. I often use bananas that are completely black and soft but any overripe bananas will work well. At this stage, the batter might look like it’s splitting but as soon as the flour is incorporated, it will be nice and creamy. Fold in the dry ingredients then transfer one third of the batter to a separate bowl. Fold in peanut butter until smooth. Place half of the plain batter in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, top with the peanut butter batter and finally the remaining plain batter. Using a pairing knife, carefully swirl the two batters together. Place the pan in the oven and allow to bake for 50-60 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool before slicing.
How to store banana bread
Wrap baked and cooled banana bread in parchment paper and then in a layer of foil and keep at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Can you freeze banana bread?
Yes, banana bread freezes very well. Follow the same instructions for storing but place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before serving.
Banana bread recipes
