Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter, jelly, and bananas, isn’t there? This Peanut Butter Jelly Banana Bread brings together the nostalgic flavors of your childhood in a warm, delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. The aroma of bananas baking with luscious peanut butter and a hint of sweet jam wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone in. Once you slice into this golden-brown bread, you’ll be met with a tender crumb and a delightful burst of flavor that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam of choice (grape, strawberry, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure an easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and creamy peanut butter. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a rich base for your bread.
- Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and flavor.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Gently fold in the jelly or jam of your choice, along with the chopped nuts if you’re using them. This adds a delightful texture and burst of flavor in every slice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your bread is perfectly baked.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra twist, feel free to experiment with flavored jams or add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- This bread can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes basic baking techniques, such as mixing wet and dry ingredients separately for an even blend, and folding in additional flavors without overworking the batter. Folding helps keep the bread light and fluffy, preventing it from becoming dense. Remember, patience is key in baking, so allow the bread to fully cool before slicing to achieve those perfect, beautiful slices.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture contrast in the bread.
What kind of jelly or jam works best?
Your favorite flavor! Grape and strawberry are classics, but feel free to experiment with raspberry, blackberry, or even a delicious homemade jam.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and ensure that your peanut butter and jelly are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Jelly Banana Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself as a sweet escape during a busy day. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll surely be drawn into the comforting embrace of its flavors again and again. Happy baking!