Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze is the ultimate cozy treat for your mornings or mid-afternoon snack. It marries the rich, nutty flavor of creamy peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, all topped off with a silky maple glaze that adds a warm depth and subtle stickiness.

Whether you serve it warm with a pat of butter or chilled from the fridge with a cup of coffee, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser and family favorite. Easy to bake, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and bananas, and perfect for freezing, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again. Soft, moist, and dripping in comfort, every bite will remind you why homemade is always better.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1–2 tsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

  6. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  8. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until you get a smooth, pourable glaze.

  9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled banana bread and let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze: A Comforting Classic Reinvented

There’s something timeless and universally beloved about banana bread. It’s the kind of recipe that lives in your family cookbook, passed from one generation to the next. But today, we’re giving it a modern, flavorful twist, one that’s rich, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. Introducing: Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze. A moist, comforting quick bread made with creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and crowned with a decadent maple glaze.

This isn’t your average banana bread. The marriage of bananas and peanut butter adds a level of indulgence and protein-packed richness, while the drizzle of pure maple syrup glaze takes the whole loaf from comforting to crave-worthy. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a gift for a friend, this recipe is the perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty.

Let’s dive into why this banana bread should be your next bake and how you can make it fit into your lifestyle, whether you’re dairy-free, baking for kids, or just someone who loves easy, wholesome treats.

Why This Peanut Butter Banana Bread Works

At its heart, this recipe celebrates simplicity and balance. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, peanut butter delivers richness and depth, and maple syrup ties everything together with its warm, complex notes. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

1. Flavor Depth Like No Other

Peanut butter and banana are a classic duo. The banana lends sweetness and softness, while peanut butter adds a roasted, nutty complexity that elevates each bite. Then, that maple glaze on top? It creates an elegant finish that enhances the entire loaf without overpowering the other flavors.

2. Naturally Sweetened

This recipe uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener, which means fewer refined sugars. The bananas themselves also bring their own natural sugar, especially when they’re extra ripe. This makes the bread sweet, but not overly sugary, perfect for those who want balance without sacrificing flavor.

3. Incredibly Moist Texture

Thanks to the bananas, peanut butter, and coconut oil, this bread stays super moist for days. No dry crumbs or bland bites here! Each slice is soft and tender, making it easy to eat as-is or toasted with a little butter or spread.

4. One Bowl, No Mixer Needed

This recipe is made with everyday ingredients; all mixed in one bowl. It’s as simple as mashing bananas, stirring in the wet ingredients, and folding in the dry. No electric mixers, no complicated steps, just easy, approachable baking.

Nutritional Benefits (Yes, really!)

While banana bread often gets categorized as a treat (and rightfully so), there’s also a surprising number of healthful elements in this recipe:

  • Bananas: High in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, bananas support heart health and digestion.

  • Peanut Butter: A great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, it helps keep you full and satisfied.

  • Maple Syrup: Unlike refined sugar, maple syrup contains trace minerals like zinc and manganese.

  • Coconut Oil: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support metabolism and brain function.

That said, this is still a treat, and it’s important to enjoy it mindfully, but if you’re reaching for a baked good, this one brings both joy and nourishment.

Customizations and Substitutions

One of the best things about banana bread is how adaptable it is. This recipe can be customized in several ways to match your dietary needs or pantry availability:

  • Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk in the glaze.

  • Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

  • Oil Substitute: Use melted butter or applesauce instead of coconut oil.

  • Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl extra peanut butter into the batter before baking.

  • Refined Sugar-Free: Ensure the powdered sugar in your glaze is organic or make a glaze with just maple syrup and a thickener like coconut cream.

These options allow you to enjoy this banana bread regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.

The Maple Glaze: Sweet Simplicity

The glaze deserves a paragraph of its own. Made from just three ingredients, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk—it brings elegance without complication. You can drizzle it lightly for just a kiss of sweetness or go heavy-handed for that gooey finish.

If you want to take the glaze up a notch, consider:

  • Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

  • Mixing in a splash of vanilla extract

  • Using browned butter in place of milk for a deeper, richer flavor

Serving Suggestions

This peanut butter banana bread is so versatile that it fits into almost any occasion:

  • Breakfast: Serve with coffee or a smoothie for a wholesome start to your day.

  • Snack: A slice with almond milk or herbal tea makes a perfect midday boost.

  • Dessert: Warm it slightly and top with vanilla ice cream for a simple, sweet treat.

  • Gifting: Wrap it in parchment and twine and give it as a homemade gift, it’s sure to impress!

Bonus tip: This bread freezes beautifully. Slice and store individual portions in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight or microwave when the craving hits.

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Results

If you’re new to baking or want to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The blacker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

  • Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are in, stir just until combined. Overmixing leads to dense bread.

  • Line Your Pan: Grease the pan and line it with parchment for easy removal.

  • Let It Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process, this helps the glaze set and the flavor to settle.

A Perfect Bake for All Seasons

This banana bread is seasonless. In spring and summer, it pairs beautifully with fresh berries or iced drinks. In fall and winter, the nutty richness and maple glaze make it a cozy, comforting bake for chilly days. And because it’s easy to customize, you can dress it up for holidays or keep it simple for weekday snacking.

Imagine adding a pinch of pumpkin spice in October or a touch of peppermint extract during the holidays, suddenly this one recipe becomes a year-round staple in your baking repertoire.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Maple Glaze is more than just a baked treat, it’s a nostalgic comfort food with a flavorful upgrade. Combining the richness of peanut butter, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the warm touch of maple glaze, it hits all the right notes: sweet, moist, simple, and unforgettable.

Perfect for casual bakers and seasoned pros alike, this recipe delivers a bakery-quality result with minimal fuss. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing it with guests, or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence with your morning coffee, this loaf is bound to become a favorite.

So the next time you’ve got a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t toss them, turn them into something truly special.

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