Peanut Butter Bread

There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This peanut butter bread is no exception. This loaf is perfectly tender and has just the right balance of nutty richness and a hint of sweetness—exactly what you need for breakfast or a midday snack. This kind of recipe is unfussy, comes with ingredients you probably already have on hand and rewards you with a slice of pure nostalgia. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just someone who appreciates a simple and delicious bake, this bread is bound to become a staple in your home. Plus, if you’ve got some homemade preserves or compound butter you’re just a few minutes away from your new favorite treat.

Peanut Butter Bread Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: This ingredient provides the essential structure for the bread, ensuring it holds its shape and rises properly during baking. Mix it with other types of flour to customize the flavor and texture.
• Sugar: It sweetens the bread and tenderizes the crumb by drawing in moisture, resulting in a softer texture.
• Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, causing the bread to rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the peanut butter’s nutty richness.
• Egg: The egg binds all the ingredients together, contributing both richness and a tender crumb to the final loaf.
• Whole milk: Whole milk adds necessary moisture and fat, which ensure a soft and rich texture. It helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the bread.
• Peanut butter: This ingredient is responsible for the bread’s distinctive nutty flavor and creamy texture while also adding richness. Use store-bought or homemade peanut butter.
• Grape jelly (optional): Offering a sweet and fruity contrast to the peanut butter, grape jelly creates a classic flavor pairing when used as a topping.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the room-temperature egg, whole milk and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated and no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the bread

Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Once baked just remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with grape jelly on top if desired.

Peanut Butter Bread Variations

• Make almond butter bread: Substitute almond butter to create a rich and slightly nutty alternative that pairs well with fruit spreads.
• Try whole wheat peanut butter bread: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier and more nutritious bread with a slightly denser texture.
• Add chocolate chips: Fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a deliciously sweet twist that complements the nutty flavor.
• Swirl in jam: Drop spoonfuls of your favorite jam or jelly into the batter and swirl it gently with a knife before baking to create a peanut butter and jelly bread.

How To Store Peanut Butter Bread

Allow the bread with peanut butter to cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week if you’d like it to last longer.

Can you freeze peanut butter bread?

Let the peanut butter bread cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store the bread in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw it at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Peanut Butter Bread Tips

What are some other dishes that pair well with peanut butter bread?

Peanut butter bread pairs beautifully with homemade  strawberry or grape preserves. They add a sweet and fruity contrast to the nutty flavor. It also goes well with compound butters for an extra layer of richness. Try our honey almond butter or cinnamon spread.

Can you make peanut butter banana bread vegan?

Yes. To make peanut butter bread vegan, substitute the egg and milk with plant-based alternatives. You can use a flax egg, which is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water until it thickens to replace the egg. For the milk, you can use any non-dairy milk like almond, soy or oat milk in the same quantity. These substitutions will maintain the texture and flavor of the bread while making it suitable for a vegan diet.

Can you make peanut butter banana bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can make peanut butter banana bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that is designed to replace regular flour in recipes. Be sure to check that your baking powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the bread is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.