If you love the comforting flavors of classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches but want to enjoy them in a new, baked form, this Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Moist, tender banana bread gets an irresistible twist with creamy peanut butter folded into the batter and sweet swirls of your favorite jelly throughout. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of nutty richness and fruity bursts, making it an ideal snack, breakfast, or even dessert. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your baking rotation.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet incredibly important for achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in your Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe. Each one plays its part in creating that soft, moist crumb and luscious swirl of jelly inside.

3 ripe bananas: Their natural sweetness and moisture give the bread its tender crumb and rich banana flavor.
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the bananas.
1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the loaf just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses the bread with buttery goodness and enhances the soft texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle layer of warmth that amplifies the overall flavor.
1 large egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread providing structure without heaviness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for the bread’s rise and light, fluffy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
1/4 cup jelly or jam: Choose grape, strawberry, or your favorite for sweet, fruity swirls that make this recipe unforgettable.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until completely smooth—that’s the heart of your bread’s moistness and banana flavor. Next, stir in creamy peanut butter, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and the egg until everything is beautifully combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined to keep the bread tender.

Step 2: Layer the Batter and Jelly

Pour half of your banana-peanut butter batter into the loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly. Now comes the fun part—drop spoonfuls of your favorite jelly across the surface in various spots. Using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the jelly through the batter to create lovely, distinct streaks without fully blending it. This swirl is what gives the bread its signature pattern and sweet pockets of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Second Layer

Pour the remaining batter over the jelly layer, spreading it smoothly. Repeat the jelly swirling process by dolloping more jelly on top and softly blending it into the batter for a marbled effect that will make your loaf look as good as it tastes.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

Garnishes

While this bread shines on its own, adding a simple garnish can elevate it further. A light spread of extra peanut butter or a smear of jelly on a warm slice brings back that nostalgic sandwich feel. For a bit of crunch and color, sprinkle chopped peanuts or a few fresh berries on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness and add creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Slice the bread into thick pieces, toast lightly, and drizzle with honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even use the loaves as a base for mini sandwich bites, spreading extra peanut butter and jelly between two thin slices for a playful twist on a classic snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it soft and delicious. If you want to extend its freshness, keeping it in the fridge is an option, but be aware this may slightly dry the bread unless well wrapped.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to three months, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, slice it and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or microwave a slice for about 15 seconds. This step revives the soft, moist texture and enhances the comforting aroma of the peanut butter and jelly.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but it may alter the texture slightly since it tends to be less creamy than processed varieties. You might want to gently warm it before mixing to help it blend smoothly with the batter.

What type of jelly works best for the jelly swirl?

Grape and strawberry are classic choices that complement peanut butter and banana beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite jelly or jam. Just ensure it’s not too runny to maintain distinct swirls in the bread.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to get the right texture. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on your loaf as it bakes.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots or even fully brown skins will yield the most flavor and moisture to your bread, contributing to that perfect, tender crumb.

Is it possible to make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Definitely! Just adjust the baking time—mini loaves might need around 30-35 minutes, and muffins usually take 18-22 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe is such a delightful way to reinvent two classic flavors we all adore. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and sure to bring smiles at any time of day. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy morning at home or sharing with friends, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort treat.