If there’s one loaf that feels like a joyful, nostalgic hug, it has to be PB and Jelly Banana Bread! This recipe takes everything you love about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the irresistible comfort of banana bread, weaving them together into a slice that’s moist, tender, and brimming with both flavor and personality. Whether you’re serving it with morning coffee, packing it for a lunchbox treat, or sneaking a cozy late-night slice, PB and Jelly Banana Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll bring smiles and a sweet bit of nostalgia with every bite.

PB and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This PB and Jelly Banana Bread recipe relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each working in harmony to create a loaf that’s as luscious as it is comforting. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and a couple of ripe bananas to bake up something memorable.

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the bread, giving it just the right structure and crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise beautifully, ensuring every bite is light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a bit brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture and a tender, rich texture.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, infusing each slice with that dreamy, nutty goodness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps caramelize the top as it bakes.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making everything taste just a bit cozier.
Ripe bananas (mashed): The natural sweetener and moisture source for a perfect, tender crumb.
Milk: Keeps the bread soft and delicately airy.
Strawberry or grape jelly: Swirls of fruity sweetness create that classic PB and Jelly Banana Bread vibe.
Chopped peanuts (optional, for topping): For extra crunch and a beautiful finish on top.

How to Make PB and Jelly Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, the sweet spot for baking up golden loaves. Get your 9×5-inch loaf pan ready by greasing it and dusting with flour, or simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This sets the stage for a flawless, no-stick finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This short step ensures all the leavening and seasoning get evenly distributed so every bite of your PB and Jelly Banana Bread bakes up tender and balanced.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the heart of the bread’s texture, incorporating air so your loaf is moist with a beautiful crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until everything is silky smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and those gorgeously mashed ripe bananas. The bananas add both flavor and moisture, making every bite extra soft and naturally sweet.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Add half of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by the milk. Mix gently but thoroughly, then add the rest of the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. This prevents overmixing, which keeps your PB and Jelly Banana Bread tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Swirl in the Jelly

Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then spoon the jelly over it in an even layer. Dollop the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for those pretty, marbled streaks of jammy sweetness.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the batter if you’d like extra crunch. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Voila—PB and Jelly Banana Bread perfection!

How to Serve PB and Jelly Banana Bread

Garnishes

A warm, thick slice of this loaf needs little more than a pat of soft butter or a drizzle of honey, but you can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of extra chopped peanuts for that irresistible bakery-style look and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair PB and Jelly Banana Bread with a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a creamy vanilla yogurt to balance and complement the nutty sweetness. It’s also lovely alongside fresh berries for a quick, vibrant breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn it into an unforgettable dessert by serving warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream and extra jelly. For gatherings, slice into fingers and arrange on a platter with fresh fruit—PB and Jelly Banana Bread makes for a cheerful and nostalgic party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. The bread stays moist, with the flavors melding beautifully as it sits—sometimes it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

PB and Jelly Banana Bread freezes like a dream. Slice completely cooled bread, wrap the slices or whole loaf in cling film, then pop into a zip-top freezer bag. Store for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a stress-free treat.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or toast gently for an irresistible, just-baked taste and texture. Add a slather of peanut butter or more jelly for an extra hit of comfort.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of extra texture and crunch, making the PB and Jelly Banana Bread even more interesting. Just substitute it 1:1 for creamy peanut butter in the recipe.

What’s the best type Dessert, Snack

Classic grape or strawberry jelly are my favorites for that school-lunch nostalgia, but any fruit jam you love will work perfectly. Raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot can bring their own unique twist to the bread.

Can I make PB and Jelly Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure there’s a binder (like xanthan gum) included in the blend for the best texture.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

Check the loaf at the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your PB and Jelly Banana Bread is ready. If there’s raw batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.

Can I double this recipe?

You sure can. Just double all ingredients and use two loaf pans, or make one large loaf and adjust baking time as needed. It’s a great option for gifting or meal-prepping for a week of sweet snacks!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s familiar yet a little unexpected, PB and Jelly Banana Bread is pure joy in every bite. With its perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, fruity jelly, and lush banana, this loaf earns rave reviews from first taste. I hope you bake it soon, share it with someone you love, and make sweet new memories along the way!

PB and Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of peanut butter, jelly, and bananas with this PB and Jelly Banana Bread. A moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup milk

Additional:

1/2 cup strawberry or grape jelly
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
Combine Ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Layer Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spread jelly evenly, top with remaining batter, and swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool before slicing.