This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a rich, cake-like loaf that blends the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter with the indulgence of cocoa. The result is a moist, tender bread with just the right balance of sweetness and chocolatey depth. It’s easy to make in one bowl and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. A drizzle of melted peanut butter on top adds an extra touch of decadence, making it a satisfying treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
Ingredients (Makes 1 large loaf)
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1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, slightly melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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Optional topping: sliced bananas
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For drizzle: 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter (to melt and drizzle after baking)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted peanut butter, sugar, mashed bananas, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
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Add dry ingredients: Gently stir in the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
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Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, lay banana slices on top for decoration.
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Bake: Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
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Drizzle: Melt 3 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave or on the stove until pourable. Drizzle over the warm loaf before slicing and serving.
Estimated Nutrition (per 1 of 12 slices)
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Calories: ~300–350 kcal
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Total Fat: ~15–18 g
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Saturated Fat: ~3–5 g
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Cholesterol: ~30 mg
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Sodium: ~200 mg
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Carbohydrates: ~38–42 g
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Sugars: ~22–28 g
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Fiber: ~2–3 g
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Protein: ~5–6 g
Why This Loaf Works for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is its versatility. While it certainly satisfies a sweet tooth, it’s not overly sugary. That makes it a great option for a wide range of occasions:
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Breakfast or brunch: Served warm with a cup of coffee or tea, it makes for a cozy and energizing morning meal.
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Afternoon snack: Pair a slice with a glass of milk or a light smoothie to keep energy levels up throughout the day.
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Dessert: Dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra drizzle of peanut butter and chocolate sauce for a decadent finish to any meal.
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Gift-giving: Homemade banana bread is a classic gift, and this elevated version is sure to impress. Wrap it in parchment and twine for a personal touch.
Its moist texture means it keeps well for several days, and it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. It’s also freezer-friendly—just slice, wrap, and thaw as needed.
Tips for Best Results
Although this recipe is beginner-friendly and simple to prepare in one bowl, a few tips will ensure success every time:
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Use very ripe bananas. The blacker the peel, the better. Overripe bananas not only mash more easily but also provide the most flavor and sweetness.
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Slightly melt the peanut butter. This makes it easier to incorporate evenly into the batter, avoiding clumps and ensuring a smooth texture.
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Avoid overmixing. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
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Don’t skip the drizzle. That final melted peanut butter topping isn’t just for looks—it adds flavor and a creamy contrast to the baked loaf.
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Test for doneness. Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 50-minute mark. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Creative Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, there’s plenty of room to get creative:
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Add chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the batter for an extra hit of gooey chocolate.
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Swirl in extra peanut butter before baking for a marbled effect.
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Use almond butter or cashew butter in place of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
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Top with crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips before baking for added texture.
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Make it gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Turn it into muffins by adjusting the bake time to about 20–25 minutes for a dozen muffins.
This flexibility makes the recipe great for adapting to different dietary needs or personal preferences, without compromising on flavor or texture.
Nutritional Insight
Despite its indulgent taste, Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Thanks to the bananas, it has natural sugars, fiber, and potassium. The peanut butter brings in protein and healthy fats that help with satiety and blood sugar balance. Cocoa powder offers a boost of antioxidants and depth of flavor with minimal calories.
A single slice (1/12 of the loaf) typically contains around 300–350 calories, 15–18 grams of fat, and about 5–6 grams of protein. While it’s not a low-calorie snack, it’s a satisfying one—and often more nourishing than a store-bought muffin or dessert bar packed with preservatives.
For those looking to lighten it up, substitutions can be made: swap out half the oil for Greek yogurt or applesauce, reduce the sugar slightly, or use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
Why Your Kitchen Needs This Bread
At its core, this recipe is about comfort with a twist. It’s familiar yet surprising, simple yet elevated. The one-bowl preparation means it can be thrown together on a lazy weekend morning or after dinner when the craving strikes. There’s something satisfying about the process—mashing bananas, whisking batter, catching that waft of chocolate and peanut butter as it bakes.
It’s also a recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this loaf sparks joy. It invites compliments. It disappears fast.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread is more than a clever flavor combination—it’s a celebration of comfort, creativity, and crave-worthy baking. It brings together the best parts of breakfast, snack, and dessert in one slice. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home baker, this recipe offers an easy and deeply satisfying way to upgrade traditional banana bread.
So the next time you find a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, skip the usual and give this rich, moist, chocolatey version a try. One slice in, and you’ll see why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your baking rotation.