Description
This peanut butter and jelly–inspired banana loaf brings together two comfort food classics in one soft, tender bake. Creamy peanut butter melts into the banana base, while ribbons of jam create eye-catching swirls and sweet, fruity pockets throughout each slice.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Banana Loaf
- 3 very ripe bananas, thoroughly mashed
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
For the Jam Ribbon
- 1/4 cup jam or jelly (grape, strawberry, or preferred flavor)
Instructions
- Mix the Base Batter
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Place the mashed bananas in a large bowl and mash until mostly smooth. Add the peanut butter, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir until the mixture looks creamy and evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together to distribute the leavening evenly. Add the dry mixture into the banana mixture in stages, folding gently just until no visible flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Create the First Swirl Layer
- Transfer half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Drop small spoonfuls of jam over the surface. With the tip of a knife or a skewer, lightly drag through the batter to form visible streaks. Keep the motion gentle so the jam doesn’t fully blend in.
- Add the Final Layer
- Spread the remaining batter over the first layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Spoon additional jam over the surface and repeat the swirling motion. Aim for distinct ribbons to achieve that marbled look once baked.
- Bake to Perfection
- Place the loaf in the oven and bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a thicker jam if you want clearly defined swirls rather than blended streaks.
- Allow the loaf to cool fully before cutting to help it firm up and slice cleanly.
- For added texture, try crunchy peanut butter or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 267 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg