Peanut Butter Jelly Swirl Banana Bread

Step back into nostalgia with a delightful twist on a classic favorite: our Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe. This isn’t just another banana bread; it’s a comforting blend of warm, sweet banana bread infused with creamy peanut butter and swirled with tangy raspberry jam. It’s the perfect treat to brighten any morning, an ideal companion for lunchboxes, or a delicious snack any time of day. Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible fusion that brings the beloved flavors of a PB&J sandwich into a wonderfully moist and flavorful loaf.

The Enduring Appeal of Peanut Butter and Jelly

The combination of peanut butter and jelly holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s a flavor duo that evokes childhood memories, school lunches, and simple, satisfying comfort. While a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always a treat, transforming these iconic flavors into something new and exciting, like this banana bread, adds a whole new dimension of culinary joy. Imagine the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter perfectly complementing the sweet, fruity burst of jam, all baked into a tender, moist banana bread. It’s a delightful surprise with every slice!

If you’re as enchanted by the peanut butter and jelly pairing as we are, you’ll be thrilled to discover its versatility beyond sandwiches. For more fun and creative ways to enjoy this beloved flavor profile, be sure to try our Peanut Butter and Jelly Dip, a fantastic appetizer for parties, or these charming Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for sharing.

Is There Really Such a Thing as Too Many Banana Bread Recipes?

You might be thinking, “Another banana bread recipe?” And to that, we confidently say: absolutely not! There can never be too many variations of this beloved quick bread, especially when you infuse it with such a universally adored flavor combination. Banana bread is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. But why stop at traditional when you can elevate it to new heights? The addition of peanut butter and jelly transforms a familiar favorite into an extraordinary treat that will quickly become a household sensation.

Our culinary journey often involves finding innovative ways to transform simple ingredients into something spectacular. While our traditional Banana Bread recipe will always hold a special place in our hearts, the joy of cooking lies in experimentation and creativity. This Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is a testament to that spirit, taking comfort food to an exciting new level. It’s about bringing fun and unexpected flavors into your kitchen, making every baking session an adventure.

Crafting Your Delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delightful PB&J Banana Bread is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfectly moist, flavorful loaf with that irresistible jam swirl:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For easy removal and cleanup, line a standard 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. Lightly spray the parchment and any exposed pan with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes lifting the cooled bread out a breeze.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, contributing to an even rise and consistent flavor in your finished bread. Set this bowl aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, beat together the lightly whisked eggs, mashed ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and moisture!), brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vegetable oil. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note and extra moisture, while the peanut butter infuses that signature nutty flavor.
4. Gently Fold and Incorporate: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened and no visible streaks of flour remain. It’s very important not to overmix the batter; overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dry banana bread. Once combined, gently fold in the chopped dry roasted peanuts, adding a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor to every bite.
5. Assemble with a Jam Swirl: Spoon exactly half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, take 1/4 cup of your raspberry preserves (or jam of choice) and dollop small spoonfuls over the batter. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently drag it through the jam and batter to create beautiful swirls. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct pockets and ribbons of jam.
6. Layer and Swirl Again: Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the jam-swirled layer, spreading it gently to cover completely. Then, dollop another 1/4 cup of preserves on top of this final batter layer, repeating the gentle swirling process with your butter knife. This double layer of jam ensures a wonderful burst of fruit flavor throughout the loaf.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your bread. The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
8. Cool and Drizzle: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the bread set. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the loaf onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing. For that irresistible finishing touch, once the bread is completely cool, place the remaining 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until melted and easily pourable. Drizzle the warm jam generously over the top of the cooled banana bread right before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

Achieving the perfect loaf of Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is simple with these expert tips:

• The Golden Rule: Don’t Overmix! This cannot be stressed enough. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which will result in a dense, tough, and chewy loaf rather than the tender, moist crumb we all love. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, and no pockets of dry flour remain. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Choose Your Jam Wisely: While we highly recommend raspberry preserves for their delightful tartness that balances the sweetness, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite jam or preserves. Strawberry, grape, or even apricot would make fantastic substitutes, each adding its own unique flavor profile.
• Strategic Drizzling for Storage: If you plan on storing the bread for more than a day or two, it’s best to wait to add the final jam drizzle on top until just before serving. Drizzling the jam too early and then storing can make the top surface a bit messy or sticky, especially if refrigerated. Apply it fresh for the best presentation and texture.
• Optimal Storage for Freshness: To keep your banana bread fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container or a bread bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing for Later Enjoyment: This banana bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a spontaneous slice of PB&J heaven.
• Nutty Variations: While chopped dry roasted peanuts add a wonderful texture and enhance the peanut butter flavor, don’t hesitate to get creative. You could try chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips for an added layer of indulgence.

More Delicious Banana Bread Creations to Explore

If you’re as passionate about banana bread as we are, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that offer unique twists on the classic:

• Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips: A delightful twist for chocolate lovers, combining rich peanut butter with sweet chocolate chips.
• Blueberry Banana Bread with Coconut: A tropical-inspired treat featuring juicy blueberries and fragrant coconut for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Banana Bread Recipe with Caramel Icing: Indulgent and sweet, this version is topped with a luscious caramel icing, perfect for a special occasion or a decadent dessert.
• Brownie Mix Banana Bread: A unique and easy way to combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible loaf.
• Banana Oat Bread: A wholesome and hearty option, packed with oats for extra texture and a nutritious start to your day.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

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Banana bread reimagined with a nostalgic peanut butter twist and a delightful raspberry jam swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons raspberry preserves (or your favorite jam)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, mashed bananas, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped peanuts.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop 1/4 cup of the preserves over the batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the preserves into the batter.
6. Add the remaining batter on top, then dollop another 1/4 cup of preserves on this layer, swirling again with a butter knife.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely in the pan before removing.
8. Once the bread has cooled, place the remaining 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-20 seconds until melted and easily pourable. Drizzle the warm jam over the top of the cooled bread before serving.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe has been adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Breakfast & Brunch for a delightful homemade experience.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

• Serving: 1 slice
• Calories: 311 kcal (16% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 42g (14% Daily Value)
• Protein: 6g (12% Daily Value)
• Fat: 14g (22% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (13% Daily Value)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 23mg (8% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 237mg (10% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
• Sugar: 23g (26% Daily Value)

Keywords: banana bread, peanut butter and jelly, PB&J, quick bread, breakfast, dessert, snack, homemade

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