Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread is moist, tender, and loaded with natural peanut butter, overripe bananas, and melty chocolate chips, then topped with crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of sea salt. It's gluten-free, made with almond flour, sweetened with maple syrup, and one of my favorite ways to use up spotty bananas, right alongside my healthy banana bread and perfect paleo banana bread.
Jump to:
- Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients Needed To Make This Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Erin's Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storing leftovers
- If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these…
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Sweet and salty is my favorite flavor combo, and this banana bread nails it! Creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas make every slice super moist, chocolate chips add little pockets of melty goodness, and a topping of crushed peanuts and sea salt gives it the perfect crunch. It's my favorite banana bread variation to date.
It all comes together in two bowls with no mixer needed. Almond flour keeps it tender and gluten-free, and maple syrup naturally sweetens the batter. If you love a fun banana bread twist, my s'mores banana bread is a must-try too.
It's perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, an afternoon snack, or a healthier dessert. And if you need more peanut butter and banana recipes like this one, you're going to LOVE my Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread or my Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and salty. Peanut butter, chocolate chips, and a sea salt and peanut topping make every bite irresistible.
- Super moist. Overripe bananas and peanut butter keep it soft and tender for days.
- Gluten-free. Made with almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Naturally sweetened batter. Ripe bananas and a little maple syrup do the work.
- No mixer needed. Just two bowls and a whisk.
- Freezer-friendly. Slice it up and freeze for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Ingredients Needed To Make This Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Here's a little bit about everything that goes into this peanut butter banana bread:
- Overripe bananas: The darker and spottier the peel, the better! They're sweeter and mash up smoothly.
- Natural peanut butter: Choose one with just peanuts and salt, and stir it well before measuring. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods brands are my favorites.
- Maple syrup: My go-to sweetener for a cozy, natural sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and help the bread rise.
- Almond flour: A tender, grain-free alternative to all-purpose flour.
- Chocolate chips: I use dairy-free chocolate chips. Save a few for the top!
- Crushed peanuts and sea salt: The finishing touch for crunch and that sweet-salty flavor.
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. Whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla, then stir the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a separate bowl.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, fold in the chocolate chips, and pour the batter into your pan. Top with crushed peanuts, extra chocolate chips, and a pinch of sea salt, then bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing!
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until completely combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and top with crushed peanuts, extra chocolate chips, and sea salt.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Erin's Expert Tips
- Use overripe bananas. The darker and spottier, the sweeter your bread will be and the smoother they'll mash.
- Go all-natural with peanut butter. Pick one with minimal ingredients and stir in the natural oils before measuring.
- Start checking early. Test with a toothpick around 40 minutes, and loosely tent with foil if the top is browning too fast.
- Let it cool before slicing. Almond flour breads are delicate when warm and slice much cleaner once cooled.
- Swap the mix-ins. Try peanut butter chips or caramel chips instead of chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about this healthy peanut butter banana bread.
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work as a 1:1 swap for peanut butter.
Yes, honey or molasses work too. Start with a little less and adjust to taste, since they're sweeter than maple syrup.
Replace each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce, or mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for a few minutes before adding.
Yes! It's made with almond flour, so it's naturally gluten-free. Just check that your chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
It likely needs a few more minutes in the oven. Every oven is different, so test the center with a toothpick, and tent with foil if the top is getting too dark.
Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Storing leftovers
Store peanut butter banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these…
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a loaf pan with either parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until completely combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into loaf pan and add peanuts and extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days, in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the peel, the better your bread will be — they're naturally sweeter and mash into a smooth, lump-free texture that blends seamlessly with the peanut butter. Don't toss those brown bananas!
- Go All-Natural with the Peanut Butter: Use a natural peanut butter with just peanuts (and maybe salt) on the ingredient list — no added sugar or oils. Give it a good stir before measuring so the natural oils are fully incorporated.
- Start Checking Early: Ovens vary, so start testing for doneness around the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly before it's done, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the bake time.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Tabitha Schilson says
Such a simple yet delicious recipe! Approved by my husband and 2 year old!
Erin says
Hi Tabitha, so glad all 3 of you enjoyed it!!
Katie says
This is one of the best banana bread recipes I've ever tried! I used PB2 instead of regular peanut butter and sf maple syrup instead of regular! It tasted exactly the same! I would make this 100 times over if I could
Erin says
Hi Katie, so glad you loved it and made it your own!
Jen says
Another favorite dessert! I subbed the eggs and used the chia seed gel to keep it vegan. One of my favorite banana bread recipes! I love the peanut butter and banana combo!
Erin says
Hi Jen, so glad you loved it and made it your own!
Adele says
10/5 stars!!! This is THE best banana bread. Don’t even bother making anything other banana bread! I brought some in for my banana bread-obsessed coworker and she said it was the best she’d ever had- win!! Make this make this make this!!!
Erin says
Hi Adele, so glad you loved it so much! Thanks for sharing!
Emma says
Very simple recipe for a great banana bread!
Erin says
Hi Emma, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Ashley M says
So yummy is hardly made it from the pan to the Tupperware! We substituted Almond Butter and it turned out fine.
Erin says
Hi Ashley, so glad you enjoyed it and great sub! Thanks for sharing!!
Taylor says
SO GOOD! I made the batter, put it in the pan only to realize my oven I thought was preheated was actually broken. So, I saved the batter until my oven was fixed the next day and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! Will definitely be making again!
Erin says
Hi Taylor, so glad you got your oven fixed and enjoyed the bread!
Natalie Austin says
I made this tonight, and my husband said this was the best banana bread he has ever had, and he is picky when it comes to banana bread. I will definitely be making this again!
Erin says
Hi Natalie, I am thrilled you both loved it so much! 🙂
Julia Eisenberg says
I have made this several times and it is always so good!!!
Erin says
Hi Julia, so happy you enjoyed it so much!! 🙂
Allison says
Make this recipe twice a month because its so easy and I always have the ingredients on hand. So good!
Erin says
Hi Allison, I am so happy you love it!
Emma says
I made this banana bread and it was delicious! Perfect amount of sweet and salty - peanut butter makes everything better !! I even added a peanut butter swirl on top of the bread and it was to die for. Can't wait to make again!
Erin says
Hi Emma, so happy you love it and great idea with the swirl!!
Jill K says
Deliciousness. PB, banana, and chocolate, this is my favorite banana bread recipe!
Erin says
Hi Jill! So glad you loved it!
Court says
This banana bread was incredible! Making everyone in my household happy is not an easy task, but this nailed it! I also loved not having to wash a ton of dishes after making it. I would definitely recommend trying this recipe, and I’ll be making it again ASAP!
Erin says
Hi Court, so glad everyone loves it! 🙂
Christie says
I have this in the oven while my kiddo is doing remote learning. Thanks for all your delicious, healthy recipes. My five year old can enjoy wholesome foods that also taste great!
Erin says
Hi Christie, ah that makes me so happy! I'm so glad you both enjoy my recipes and hope online learning is going well!
Judy says
Hi Erin, can we use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Erin says
Hi Judy, that should work, but I'd probably thaw them first so they don't bake from frozen. Let me know how the bread comes out!
Ayesha Shaikh says
This recipe is insane! So moist, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie Steinberg says
My family flipped over this! It was gone in a day! This is our new go-to recipe!
Erin says
Hi Jamie, I'm thrilled your family loved the bread and it didn't last long! Hope you made another one! 🙂
Jenessa says
So easy and SO RIDICULOUSLY good! Always make this one again and again 🙂
Erin says
Hi Jenessa, thank you so much for the kind words and so happy you love the bread!!
Bridget says
Sooo good and easy!! Thanks Erin!!
Erin says
Hi Bridget! So happy you enjoy the banana bread!
Morgan C says
This recipe was amazing and so incredibly MOIST. WOW! We baked ours in a bundt pan and almost ate the whole thing in one sitting. People could not even believe there was no sugar. Highly recommend!
Erin says
Hi Morgan, thank you so much for your kind words!! I am so happy everyone enjoyed it! 🙂
Irie says
Can I sub coconut flour?
Erin says
Hi Irie, yes, you can use a different flour. Before you bake just be sure to check the ratio because some flours are not a 1:1 ratio. Let me know what flour you use and how it comes out!