Last weekend my brother sent his wife over to cook with me armed with a delicious suggestion. He had been craving banana bread and while regular banana bread is oh-so-yummy he wanted something a little more fun. While browsing the web he had come across the idea for banana bread with a secret ingredient… Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups.
The idea seemed great but when my sister in-law gave it a shot it turned out a little chewy and overdone. A bit of tweaking to her recipe including using a lower baking temperature and a little less time resulted in this delicious snack.
**CAUTION** This recipe, while delicious, would make even Paula Dean blush for its shameless inclusion of chocolate, peanut butter, and butter. It tastes absolutely amazing but I cannot pretend that it would be considered health food. Don’t worry though – it’s worth it – just have a small piece…
Ingredients
Yields one loaf
3 medium or 2 large bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 egg
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 bag (8-10 oz) Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Adapted From: Joy of Baking
Directions1) Preheat oven to 350. Grease the loaf pan with butter (or spray with cooking spray).
2) In a large mixing bowl combine the mashed banans, peanut butter, melted butter, egg, and sugars.
3)In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (batter will still be lumpy). Be careful not to over stir or you could activate the gluten and end up with chewy bread. Fold in the Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups.
4) Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. The loaf should be browned on top and a toothpick, when inserted in the center, should come out clean. Use caution when inspecting the toothpick. If it comes out with chocolate or peanut butter from the Reese’s this does not mean the loaf is not done. The toothpick should be free of wet batter but can have small crumbs or chocolate on it.
5) Allow the bread to cool on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. The rich peanut buttery smell will lure you into believing it is safe to induldge but resist the temptation to devour it instantly – the Reese’s Cups, while delicious, will be lava hot and will certainly reward your impatience with a wicked burn to the roof of your mouth. After it has cooled serve warm with butter or jam and a cold glass of milk.
Yum!!! This looks awesome. Can’t wait to try it! 🙂
This looks so yummy! We are going to make it some time. We think yor site is really cool and can’t wait to visit your bakery sometime! 🙂 See you soon
Hey Laurie! Great to hear from you. Let me know if you and Al make it sometime! It is one of my favorites. I’ll be back next weekend for graduation parties – hope to see you two then!
Made as muffins to take to college son who needs quick breakfast foods! Look fantastic!
Made as muffins again as a special request from someone who had them the first time. They are a great afternoon snack with coffee or tea or great on-the-go breakfast.