This Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a decadent upgrade to your classic banana loaf. Made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate chunks, this moist and fluffy treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. A hint of Greek yogurt adds extra moisture, while the rich peanut butter flavor makes every bite irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, family-approved, and freezer-friendly.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 medium very ripe bananas
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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¼ cup creamy peanut butter
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks, divided
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
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In another large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk again.
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Mix in salt, Greek yogurt, mashed bananas, baking soda, and peanut butter until well combined.
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Gently stir in the flour just until no streaks remain. Do not overmix.
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Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chunks.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chunks on top.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrients (Per serving, makes 12 servings)
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Calories: 330 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 43g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 25g
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Cholesterol: 49mg
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Sodium: 324mg
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Potassium: 242mg
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Calcium: 29mg
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Iron: 2mg
The Perfect Use for Ripe Bananas
Overripe bananas are often overlooked or discarded, but in baking, they are absolute gold. Their natural sweetness intensifies as they ripen, making them the perfect base for baked goods. In this recipe, ripe bananas provide not only sweetness but also natural moisture, which contributes to the bread’s soft, tender crumb.
Bananas also bring nutritional value—delivering potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that make this loaf more wholesome than your average dessert. Their inclusion ensures that every bite of this banana bread is flavorful, moist, and a little nostalgic.
The Richness of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth to this banana bread that takes it from simple to spectacular. Its creamy texture blends seamlessly into the batter, enhancing the loaf’s tenderness and adding healthy fats and protein. Peanut butter also brings a savory note that balances the banana’s sweetness, resulting in a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Whether you opt for smooth or crunchy peanut butter, the result is a decadent twist on the original recipe. It’s the kind of flavor pairing that feels familiar and indulgent all at once—a perfect comfort food combination.
Chocolate Chunks for a Decadent Touch
The chocolate chunks scattered throughout the bread create little pockets of melty, sweet richness that make each slice feel special. Semi-sweet chocolate offers just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness, complementing the banana and peanut butter without overpowering them.
Using chunks rather than chips ensures that the chocolate melts into larger, more satisfying pools, giving the bread a luxurious texture. You can mix the chocolate into the batter or sprinkle more on top before baking for added visual appeal and flavor in every bite.
Greek Yogurt: The Secret Moisture Booster
Greek yogurt plays an essential role in this recipe, contributing moisture without making the bread dense or heavy. It also provides a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavor, working particularly well with the banana and peanut butter combination. Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and it acts as a healthier substitute for sour cream or additional butter in many baked goods.
Its presence in the recipe ensures that the banana bread remains soft for days, making it ideal for baking in advance and storing for easy snacks or breakfasts throughout the week.
An Easy and Family-Friendly Bake
One of the greatest strengths of this Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread is how approachable it is. The recipe comes together with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. It doesn’t require a mixer or complicated techniques—just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and a loaf pan.
Because of its straightforward steps and consistent results, it’s a fantastic baking project for families. Kids can help mash the bananas, measure out ingredients, and sprinkle chocolate chunks on top. It’s also a great recipe for beginner bakers or those looking for a stress-free weekend bake.
Freezer-Friendly and Make-Ahead Magic
This banana bread freezes beautifully. You can make a loaf (or two) ahead of time and freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment or stored in a zip-top bag. Just thaw overnight or warm slightly in the microwave for a ready-made breakfast or afternoon snack. The bread retains its flavor and texture even after freezing, which makes it a smart choice for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
It also travels well—making it an ideal addition to lunchboxes, potlucks, picnics, or bake sales. Its versatility means you can serve it as part of a brunch spread or simply enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning.
Customizations to Suit Every Taste
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Want to go gluten-free? Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Prefer almond butter over peanut butter? No problem. You can even use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped walnuts if you’d like to vary the flavor or texture.
For a healthier spin, you can reduce the sugar slightly, swap part of the flour for whole wheat flour, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (keeping in mind that these may slightly change the texture). For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and an egg replacer such as flaxseed meal and water.
Nutritional Profile: Indulgence Meets Wholesomeness
Each slice of this banana bread offers about 330 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Thanks to the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and eggs, the loaf delivers a higher protein content than many traditional quick breads. The presence of fiber from bananas and chocolate also helps support digestion and satiety.
While it’s certainly a treat, it’s one you can feel good about enjoying. It strikes a nice middle ground between dessert and wholesome snack, making it a more nourishing choice when you’re craving something sweet.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s something universally comforting about banana bread. It evokes memories of home, warmth, and the joy of simple pleasures. But this Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread takes it a step further by adding indulgent, crowd-pleasing ingredients that feel celebratory without being fussy.
Whether you’re baking to impress, to use up bananas, or just because you need a little comfort food, this recipe fits the bill. It’s fast, versatile, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than just a baked good—it’s a feel-good moment in every slice. From the natural sweetness of bananas to the creamy richness of peanut butter and the indulgence of melty chocolate, each element works in harmony to create a loaf that’s as nourishing as it is irresistible.
Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this banana bread deserves a permanent place in your baking rotation. It satisfies sweet cravings, makes a wonderful homemade gift, and offers a reliable go-to when you want something that feels both comforting and special. Give it a try—and you may never go back to plain banana bread again.