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The Ultimate Comfort Bake: Irresistible Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

There are certain food combinations that evoke instant nostalgia and comfort, and few rival the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now, imagine taking that beloved flavor duo and infusing it into a moist, tender, and incredibly aromatic banana bread. The result? Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread – a true dream for PB&J aficionados and a delightful surprise for anyone who loves a good homemade treat. This recipe transforms your favorite sandwich into a baked masterpiece, offering a unique twist on a timeless classic that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite.

Forget the traditional sandwich; this banana bread offers a sophisticated yet playful take on a cherished flavor pairing. With every slice, you’ll discover pockets of sweet, fruity jelly swirling through a rich, peanut butter-infused banana batter. It’s more than just a snack; it’s an experience, a delightful journey down memory lane with a comforting, home-baked twist.

Why We Love Banana Bread (and Overripe Bananas!)

Banana bread holds a special place in the hearts of home bakers worldwide. It’s the perfect solution for those forgotten, browning bananas on your countertop – turning what might seem like a lost cause into a moist, fragrant, and utterly delicious loaf. Beyond its practical use, banana bread is pure comfort food. The aroma alone as it bakes can fill a home with warmth and happiness, promising a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert.

For me, making banana bread is a tradition, a simple pleasure that I often indulge in. My son absolutely adores it, and truthfully, it’s usually the fate of any bananas I impulsively buy for “healthy snacks” but then neglect until they develop those tell-tale black spots. It’s a delightful cycle: forget bananas, make banana bread, enjoy banana bread. This particular recipe takes that familiar comfort and elevates it with the irresistible combination of peanut butter and jelly, creating a loaf that’s far from ordinary.

If you’re looking for other amazing banana bread variations, you might also love this brown sugar stuffed banana bread – it’s incredibly delicious and another fantastic way to enjoy this versatile baked good!

My Journey to the Perfect PB&J Banana Bread

Life can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, the simple act of baking can be the perfect therapeutic escape. I distinctly remember the day I first made this Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread. It was the first day of school, and while my daughter was off to a fantastic start, I, on the other hand, might have shed a tear or two. To channel my emotions and energy, I dove into a productive frenzy, cleaning my entire home from top to bottom. Six hours later, with a sparkling house, I turned my attention to a more delicious endeavor: perfecting this bread.

Truth be told, I initially saw the concept for peanut butter and jelly banana bread on “The Kitchen,” my absolute favorite cooking show, and was immediately captivated. As a household of avid peanut butter lovers, and knowing how beautifully peanut butter and banana complement each other, I knew I had to recreate it. I made the first batch months ago, and my family instantly fell head over heels. Since then, I’ve baked it multiple times, carefully tweaking the recipe here and there to achieve what I believe is the ultimate version. Today, I’m thrilled to share this perfected recipe with you, confident it will bring as much joy to your home as it has to mine.

Customizing Your Creation: Jellies and Beyond

One of the most exciting aspects of this Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is its incredible versatility. While classic strawberry preserves are a fantastic choice, the beauty lies in experimenting with different types of jelly to create a truly personalized loaf. Each jelly brings its own unique flavor profile, transforming the bread with every new combination.

For the loaf pictured here, I used a vibrant strawberry preserve, which offered a sweet and familiar taste. However, during a recent test bake, I experimented with a Triple Berry preserve – a delicious blend of raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry. The result was absolutely amazing, adding a complex fruity depth that perfectly complemented the rich peanut butter. Imagine the possibilities with grape jelly for a true classic PB&J vibe, or perhaps a tart raspberry for a sophisticated twist, or even apricot for something a little different. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use your absolute favorite!

The method is surprisingly simple: spread half of your delicious banana bread batter into the pan, dollop your chosen jelly down the middle, ensuring a small border, and then carefully top with the remaining batter. This technique ensures that lovely jelly swirl runs through the heart of the bread, creating a delightful surprise with every slice. And don’t forget those optional toppings – a sprinkle of extra peanuts and a decorative swirl of jelly on top not only adds a lovely visual appeal but also provides a hint of the deliciousness hidden within. It’s a flavor depth you won’t want to miss!

The Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

Get ready to bake a loaf that will disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter and jelly”! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to create a bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen. Follow these steps for a perfect, moist, and flavorful PB&J Banana Bread every time.

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 60 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yields 12 slices

Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is a PB & J lovers dream! Switch up the jelly to create your ultimate sandwich in a baked bread form.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
4 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
1/2 cup chopped peanuts, divided
3/4 cup strawberry preserves (or your favorite jelly), divided

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly spray a standard loaf pan with cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), add the softened butter and sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Add the peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract, eggs, and mashed bananas. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the banana mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Once all the flour has been added, mix briefly until no dry streaks remain, then gently fold in 1/4 cup of the chopped peanuts.
Pour half of the prepared batter into your loaf pan. Carefully spoon 1/2 cup of preserves down the middle of the batter, ensuring you leave a 1/2-inch border between the preserves and the sides of the pan. This prevents the jelly from burning.
Gently spoon the remaining batter over the jelly layer, spreading it carefully to cover the preserves.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the bread is cool to the touch, spread the remaining preserves evenly over the top and sprinkle with the remaining chopped peanuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost. Slice and serve!

Notes

This recipe is slightly adapted from a delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread recipe found on Food Network.

Category: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 slice

Amount Per Serving
Calories 403
% Daily Value
Total Fat 19 g		29%
	Saturated Fat 7 g	35%
Cholesterol 51 mg		17%
Sodium 291 mg		12%
Total Carbohydrates 54 g		18%
	Dietary Fiber 3 g	12%
	Sugars 36 g
Protein 8 g		16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tips for the Best PB&J Banana Bread

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The browner your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Don’t be afraid of bananas with lots of black spots – they’re perfect for baking!
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more consistent batter.
Customize Your Jelly: As mentioned, feel free to use your favorite type of jelly or preserves. Strawberry, grape, raspberry, or even a mixed berry blend all work wonderfully.
Nuts or No Nuts: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, you can omit them entirely or substitute them with another nut like walnuts or pecans. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or chocolate chips.
Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Always use the toothpick test to ensure the bread is fully baked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

Serve It Your Way

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s utterly delicious on its own, especially when warm, there are plenty of ways to enhance the experience. As fanatics in my house, we often enjoy a slice with a little extra smear of creamy peanut butter, elevating that classic flavor even further. You could also add a dollop of extra jelly, a pat of butter, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch.

Whether you enjoy it plain with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting, familiar, and yet excitingly new all at once. Who doesn’t love the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly, especially when baked into such a delightful loaf?

Peanut Butter & Jelly Swirl Banana Bread