Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and sweet candy for a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor and fun. Its moist texture and colorful candy pieces make it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Fun Twist: Adding Reese’s Pieces brings a playful touch, making this bread not just tasty but visually appealing too.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert; this bread fits any meal or gathering.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week; it stays fresh and delicious!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you will need some essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: This is crucial for shaping your bread. A good quality loaf pan ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix ingredients easily without any mess.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy

For the Glaze:

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is important to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease an 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Beat together the peanut butter and sugar until well combined.
2. Add in the egg and melted butter, mixing well.
3. Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined; do not over-mix.

Step 5: Fold in Reese’s Pieces

Gently fold in the Reese’s Pieces candy, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Whisk together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
2. Microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in increments of 30 seconds until warm.

Step 10: Drizzle Over Loaf

Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over your banana bread before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delightful treat suitable for various occasions. Whether enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, there are plenty of ways to serve it that will impress your family and friends.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair a slice with your favorite coffee for a comforting morning ritual.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert option.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to balance the sweetness.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Warm up a slice and top it with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Include it in a breakfast spread with yogurt and granola for added crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

To ensure your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.

• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct baking temperature for optimal results.

• Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal experience:

1. Greek Yogurt: A scoop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and balances out the sweetness.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can complement the rich flavors of the bread.

3. Honey Drizzled Toast: Simple honey toast can provide a sweet crunchy contrast when served alongside.

4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy nutty granola offers texture and pairs well as a topping or side dish.

5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl filled with fruits and nuts makes for a nutritious pairing that enhances breakfast options.

6. Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia seed pudding adds fiber and creates an interesting texture contrast next to the banana bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread turn out perfectly. Here are some common errors to watch for:

• Incorrect banana ripeness: Using bananas that are not ripe enough can lead to a lack of sweetness. Ensure your bananas are well-ripened with brown spots for the best flavor.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in dense bread. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour, to keep the texture light.

• Skipping the greasing step: Failing to grease your loaf pan may cause the bread to stick. Always grease or line your pan properly before pouring in the batter.

• Not checking doneness: Baking times can vary, so it’s crucial to check doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

• Ignoring cooling time: Removing the bread too soon from the pan can cause it to break apart. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best results, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label and date the bags for easy identification when you’re ready to enjoy it later.

Reheating Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Toast each slice for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can definitely use crunchy peanut butter! It will add extra texture and flavor, making your banana bread even more delightful.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done baking.

Can I customize my Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even other candies if desired. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins!

What should I do if my bananas aren’t ripe?

If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature. Alternatively, bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until soft.

How do I store leftover peanut butter banana bread?

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

This Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Banana Bread is not only delicious but also versatile! With its rich flavors and sweet bites of candy, it’s perfect as a snack or dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Enjoy trying this delightful recipe!