If you are a fan of comforting, flavorful baked goods, you are going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the irresistible richness of peanut butter and the deep, intense notes of cocoa, this loaf is a perfect balance of moistness, fluffiness, and a little bit of indulgence. Every bite brings out the best textures, thanks to the dairy-free dark chocolate chips that melt just so, and the warm seasoning of cinnamon that adds a cozy touch. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread will quickly become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a loaf bursting with flavor and a delightful texture. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the bananas giving natural sweetness and moisture, or the cocoa powder lending a gorgeous, chocolatey color and depth.

Mashed Ripe Bananas: Using bananas with black spots is key for maximum sweetness and moisture in your bread.
Peanut Butter (Unsalted): Adds creamy, nutty richness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Mild-Flavor Olive Oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering other flavors; canola oil works fine too.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides a subtle nutty undertone and keeps this recipe dairy-free.
Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that adds a caramel-like nuance and beautiful browning.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the batter.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds your bread together with just the right crumb texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor and dark color without excess sweetness.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and grow fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works with the acidic elements to give extra lift and tenderness.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Melting little pockets of chocolaty goodness throughout the bread.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, and lightly grease it with coconut oil or an oil spray. This preparation ensures that your banana bread will come out cleanly and keep its perfect shape.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab four large, ripe bananas with black-spotted skins and mash them well with a fork, potato masher, or your mixer until mostly smooth and runny. This step is crucial because well-mashed bananas create that signature ultra-moist, tender crumb that makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread so crave-worthy.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the peanut butter, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until smooth. Then add your unsweetened almond milk, coconut sugar, and salt, stirring gently to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Sifting these together or mixing well helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly through the batter.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Stir just until you have a consistent batter—overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want light and fluffy every time for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

Now for the best part: gently folding in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips. These will create those delightful melty pockets of chocolate that make this bread truly irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it on the center rack of your oven. Bake for approximately 50 to 55 minutes. A tip is to cover the top loosely with foil after 30 minutes if you notice the bread browning too quickly. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center; it should come out clean when ready.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool for 2 to 3 hours before slicing. For an extra touch, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and a little fresh peanut butter to impress any guest or simply indulge yourself a little more.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Garnishes

To make each slice feel special, consider topping your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread with a light drizzle of warm peanut butter, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch, or even a quick dusting of powdered sugar. These accents bring an elevated look and add layers of texture and flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a creamy cup of almond milk or your favorite dairy-free yogurt topped with fresh berries. The contrast between the rich bread and these lighter sides balances the indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the bread into small, bite-sized pieces and arrange them with an assortment of spreads like honey, nut butters, or jam for a fun DIY toast bar. You can also toast slices lightly and sandwich with a smear of peanut butter and banana slices for a delicious twist on a classic dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread fresh at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a sealed container, for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, placing it in the fridge can extend its life to about 5 days without losing much moisture.

Freezing

This bread freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag before freezing. For best quality, use within 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To revive the delicious freshness, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave. For the toaster oven, 3-5 minutes at 350°F gives a lovely warm crust, while the microwave works well for quick warming—just 20 to 30 seconds should do!

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of olive oil in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the olive oil with melted butter. Just keep in mind that it might make the bread a bit richer and change the subtle flavor profile slightly, but it will still taste amazing.

Is this recipe suitable for someone with dairy allergies?

Yes, it is. This recipe uses unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free dark chocolate chips, making it safe for those avoiding dairy. Just double-check your chocolate chips to ensure they are indeed dairy-free.

Can I add nuts to the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread?

Definitely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans make great additions and add a satisfying crunch that works beautifully with the soft, moist texture of the bread.

How ripe do the bananas need to be?

For the best flavor and texture, use bananas that are very ripe — the ones with black spots or even mostly black skin. They are sweeter, softer, and produce more moisture which is essential for this loaf.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. However, results might vary in texture, so look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best structure in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a homemade treat that perfectly blends the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread should be at the top of your list. It’s moist, rich, and simple to make, with every slice bursting with flavor and warmth. I can’t wait for you to try it out, and once you do, it will surely become a staple in your baking rotation — a lovely reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the best memories.