If you thought banana bread couldn’t get any better, let me introduce you to PB and Jelly Banana Bread. This family favorite brings together the nostalgic combo of peanut butter and jelly, then bakes it right into a soft, moist loaf that vanishes quicker than you’d expect. Imagine the sweet swirl of jam and the nutty richness of peanut butter tucked inside each bite—pure comfort food bliss that takes classic banana bread to a whole new level. Whether you’re making it for weekend brunch or as an after-school snack, this recipe will become your go-to treat!

PB and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for PB and Jelly Banana Bread are delightfully simple, but each one adds its own magic, from plush texture to irresistible flavor, and those cheerful swirls of jelly. Together, they guarantee that every slice is loaded with taste and homemade charm!

Bananas: The riper, the better! They add essential sweetness, moisture, and irresistible banana flavor.
Creamy peanut butter: Gives the loaf its signature nutty richness—swap for chunky if you love extra texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness, helping the bread brown beautifully.
Brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel undertone and keeps things ultra-moist.
Melted butter: Makes every bite extra tender while boosting flavor.
Eggs: Help the bread rise and stay fluffily cohesive.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm aroma.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure without making the bread dense.
Baking soda: Just enough lift for a perfect crumb.
Salt: Balances out all that sweetness and shines up every flavor.
Your favorite jelly or jam: Go classic with strawberry or grape, or play with something new—this is where the magic swirl happens!
Optional: chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips: For the perfect crunchy or melty topping, sprinkle a handful over the loaf before baking.

How to Make PB and Jelly Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. This small move ensures easy removal and a perfect golden crust around your PB and Jelly Banana Bread. Set it aside while you get mixing!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or sturdy spoon, blend everything until smooth and rich—the mixture should look slightly thick and glossy. This melds those signature PB and banana flavors right from the start!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them on their own ensures that the leavening agent evenly disperses, giving your banana bread the best rise without any streaks of baking soda.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually stir the dry mixture into your wet banana-peanut concoction. Switch to a spatula at this point, and combine until just incorporated—overmixing can make your loaf dense instead of delightful. Lumps are okay! The batter will be thick and full of promise.

Step 5: Swirl in the Jelly

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Dollop half of your chosen jelly or jam in small spoonfuls across the batter and gently swirl them in with a knife for that signature marbled look. Repeat with the remaining batter and jelly, swirling again. This step is where PB and Jelly Banana Bread earns its fun, playful character!

Step 6: Add Toppings If Desired

If you like a little extra crunch or peanutty richness, sprinkle the top with your choice of chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips. They’ll toast as the bread bakes, making an irresistible crust that’s hard to resist picking off.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack so it finishes cooling (and doesn’t get soggy underneath).

How to Serve PB and Jelly Banana Bread

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped peanuts right before serving. A light drizzle of warmed peanut butter or a swirl of extra jam makes each slice of PB and Jelly Banana Bread look as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair a thick, warm slice with a glass of cold milk or a creamy coffee for nostalgia-filled comfort. If you’re serving brunch, arrange alongside fresh berries or slices of crisp apple for a refreshing bite between the rich, sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning leftover slices into decadent French toast, layer them as a base for a sundae, or package mini-loaves as thoughtful foodie gifts. PB and Jelly Banana Bread is also fantastic toasted with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your PB and Jelly Banana Bread extra fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate if your kitchen is especially warm.

Freezing

This banana bread loves the freezer! Slice and wrap individual pieces in parchment, then seal them in a zip-top bag. Pop out a frozen slice for a quick snack—just let it thaw at room temperature or give it a quick warm-up in the toaster.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds, or toast lightly for a warm, crisp edge and gooey pockets of jelly. The aroma will make everyone think you just pulled PB and Jelly Banana Bread from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds extra texture with little peanut pieces, giving each bite a delightful crunch. Just substitute it one-for-one with the creamy kind.

What type Dessert

Classic strawberry or grape jelly gives that traditional PB&J flavor, but you can get creative—try raspberry, blackberry, or even apricot for a twist that keeps your PB and Jelly Banana Bread exciting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and the results will be just as tasty.

How can I tell when the bread is done?

Start checking at the 50-minute mark and poke a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your PB and Jelly Banana Bread is ready.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?

Use a fork or potato masher and go for a mostly smooth puree—small banana lumps are totally fine and actually add lovely moistness and banana pockets to the finished loaf!

Final Thoughts

PB and Jelly Banana Bread is pure comfort and fun in every slice, blending a classic childhood flavor combo with cozy homemade goodness. If you’re looking to surprise your family or friends (or just treat yourself), give this playful twist on banana bread a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!

PB and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this PB and Jelly Banana Bread. This easy-to-make treat combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with moist banana bread for a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

1/2 cup your favorite jelly or jam (such as strawberry or grape)
Optional: chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, sugars, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
Layer batter and jelly: Pour half of the batter into the pan, spoon half of the jelly over it, swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and jelly.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.