This moist and gluten-free Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread is an easy breakfast recipe made with chocolate chips, almond flour, and maple syrup! It's simple and the best for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack!
Video: let's make peanut butter banana bread!
If you don't know by now, you're about to find out that I'm a total sucker for banana bread. My blog can probably tell you that, as there are countless recipes perfect for using up overripe bananas!
Growing up, it was always a special treat when my mom would bring banana bread or banana muffins home from our local bakery. I've always loved them and am slowly but surely working on my folder of straight banana bread recipes!
One thing that I love about peanut butter banana bread is the combination fo sweet and salty. That is my favorite flavor combination and one that I try to create as often as possible! This recipe achieves that with chocolate chips, peanuts, and sea salt. Let's just say this is probably my favorite variation to date!
This loaf of bread is completely gluten-free, is super moist, and is filled with incredible flavor. You're going to love it!
Peanut butter banana bread ingredients
Healthy peanut butter banana bread uses two sets of ingredients: wet and dry. We'll mix them separately and then add them together to ensure that everything is incorporated as well as possible. Many of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry, so gather them up and let's make some banana bread!
Wet Ingredients
- Bananas (should be overripe)
- Natural peanut butter
- Maple syrup
- Eggs
- Vanilla
Dry Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life Dairy-Free chips)
- Toppings: Crushed peanuts and sea salt
Tools needed to make this healthy bread
You'll only need a select number of tools for this recipe, which is great for clean up purposes! The smaller the mess, the better the recipe. Right?!
- Bread pan
- Parchment paper
- Nonstick spray
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Stirring utensil
- Potato masher (optional)
- Measuring cups: ¼ tsp, 1 tsp, ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup
How to make healthy peanut butter banana bread
If you've ever baked something, whether it be simple box brownies or complex snickerdoodles, you'll be able to make this banana bread. It's so easy you could probably do it with your eyes closed! Prep will only require about 10 minutes, and from there it's smooth sailing (or... baking).
To begin making your own healthy bread, start by preheating the oven to 350F so that it can heat up while you create the batter.
Then, prepare a loaf pan with either parchment paper or nonstick spray. By cutting a little piece of parchment paper, throwing it into the bottom of the pan, and spraying it with nonstick spray, your banana bread will easily come right out of the dish. Leave little "wings" on the side of the paper so that you can pull the loaf right out! Take a look at the video above to see this in action.
In a large bowl, whisk the mashed bananas. They should be completely mushy, and you'll want to avoid leaving clumps behind. I like to use a potato masher for this.
Once the bananas are mashed, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until completely combined.
Then, fold in the chocolate chips.
Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into the loaf pan. Top with chocolate chips and crushed peanuts for an extra tasty result!
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
And there you go! Easy, healthy banana bread that's made with peanut butter and other wholesome ingredients. It's perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post dinner dessert!
Healthier ingredients for a nutrient-rich dessert
This banana bread features many ingredients that I love to use in my baked goods. All are healthier, less-processed options that supply many nutrients including potassium, fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and more.
Bananas
It will come as no surprise, but the bananas in this recipe supply so many nutrients and really help to make this a healthy snack! You'll get a sweet serving of potassium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C in each bite.
Tip: The darker the peel, the sweeter the banana! We'll want these super ripe for our bread.
Natural peanut butter
Peanut butter is always one of those ingredients where it's worth it to go organic or all-natural. The other stuff is packed with preservatives, so the extra dollar for organic is worth it. This ingredient supplies the bread with zinc, magnesium, and lots of protein!
Tip: The brands from Trader Joes and Whole Foods are my favorite.
Maple syrup
My go-to sweetener, maple syrup supplies the best dash of sweetness. It's not overpowering at all. It's my favorite way to give my recipes a touch of natural sugar!
Almond flour
Almond flour is great alternative to all-purpose flour. It's more nutrient-rich and just so happens to work perfectly when making banana bread!
Dairy-free chocolate chips
Finally, I like to stick with dairy-free chocolate chips in my recipe. It usually means I'm using dark chocolate, and I'm okay with that! You can feel free to use your favorite type.
Ingredient substitution options
There are a number of ingredietns that can be substituted throughout this recipe if need be. This list comes in handy if you find yourself missing an ingredient or simply wanting to use something else.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter can be substituted with any nut butter, as well as nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter. These can be used at a 1:1 ratio.
- Maple syrup: If you don't want to use maple syrup, feel free to use honey or molasses instead. Start with a smaller amount than what's called for of maple syrup, and just add to taste.
- Eggs: For a vegan bread recipe, substitute the eggs with ¼ cup of applesauce each. You can also create chia seed "eggs" by mixing 1 tablespoon of seeds with 3 tablespoon of water. Allow it to form a gel-like consistency before adding to the bowl with the wet ingredients.
- Chocolate chips: Finally, chocolate chips can be omitted or substituted with anything you'd like. You can use peanut butter chips, caramel chips, etc. You name it, and it'll probably work!
How to store banana bread
This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep it sealed in an airtight container.
Alternatively, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, be sure to use an airtight container.
If you'd like to save this bread for later use, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. I like to freeze a batch every now and again so that I have something on deck when I get a craving for something sweet!
Some more bread-y recipes to try
If you loved this chocolate peanut butter banana bread (which I hope you did!), here are some more bread ideas that you can try!
- S'mores Banana Bread
- Paleo Pumpkin Bread
- Healthy Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Healthy Whole Wheat Blueberry Bread
- Carrot Cake Banana Bread
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!
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
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.
Sarah says
This is my favorite banana bread recipe. I love how the peanut butter replaces other oils, and it is not too sweet. soooo obsessed with this bread! Thanks, Erin!
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you loved it! 🙂
Celina Valenzuela says
is it possible to add greek yogurt to this recipe ? For extra protein
Erin says
Hi Celina, yes, you could add 1/2 cup! Let me know how it comes out!
Tiami Tanner says
I was looking for a recipe that was close to mine that used peanut butter instead of butter and yours is perfect! Thanks
Erin says
Hi Tiami, so happy you loved it so much! 🙂
Ms. Michael Robinson says
Made this and it turned out perfectly 😋 delicious
Erin says
Hi Michael, so glad you enjoyed it!!
Gloriana says
Hi!
Can I use PB powder instead?
Erin says
Hi Gloriana, so sorry but unfortunately it won't come out the same!
Meghan K says
This is my fav banana bread! I make it like once a month and it’s so easy and soooo tasty 😋 Thanks Erin!
Erin says
Hi Meghan, so happy you love it so much!! 🙂
Meghan says
10/10 recipe and super easy to make into muffins! I used ~2C whole wheat flour and worked perfectly. Also subbed honey for maple since it was what I had on hand. 17 min bake time and the muffins are sooo fluffy and moist!!
Erin says
Hi Meghan, so happy you loved them and made them your own!! 🙂
Karen says
Hi..so happy I made this . I substituted 2 apples mashed because it's apple season in New England , and kept one banana. No chocolate added either. It is delicous . I love all the healthy ingredients ! Thank you for this recipee!.
Erin says
Hi Karen, so glad you enjoyed the bread and made it your own! Thanks for sharing!
Avery says
This banana bread is amazing!!! So flavorful and delicious!
Erin says
Hi Avery, so happy you loved it!! 🙂
Addie says
Delicious! Even the gluten huggers of my family love this bread recipe. I’ll hide it in the vegetable draw….they’ll never look there😉
Erin says
Hi Addie, so happy you all loved the bread so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jenna says
The perfect texture! So simple and delicious!
Erin says
Hi Jenna, so happy you loved it!!
Suzanne Garlock says
Wow! This Was amazing. I added some pecan pieces instead of peanuts and sugar free dark chocolate chips. Even impressed the picky gluten lover.
Erin says
Hi Suzanne, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!
Elisa says
I made this recipe into 12 muffins and baked for 15 minutes and they were perfect. I made this recipe 3 days in a row and my family is still asking for me to make them again.
Erin says
Hi Elisa, so happy your family loved them as muffins! 🙂
Sam says
Super easy and so good!
Erin says
Hi Sam, so glad you liked it!!
E says
Can I sub baking powder for baking soda?
Erin says
Hi, yes that should be fine. Let me know how your bread comes out!!
Veronica says
Can I make this with regular white or I bleached flour?
Erin says
Hi Veronica, yes, that should still work. I haven't tried it, but 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!
Brooke says
This recipe is absolutely incredible!! Really easy to throw together & everyone loved it!
Erin says
Hi Brooke, so glad you liked it!!
Hanna Dickerson says
Second time making it in a week! DELISH! Would never be able to tell it’s GF!
Erin says
Hi Hanna, so glad you loved it!!
Danielle says
This was delicious!! It was the perfect balance of chocolate, banana and peanut butter, and it was sweet without being overly sweet. Will definitely make this again!
Erin says
Hi Danielle, so happy you loved the bread!!
Tori says
Hands down my favorite banana bread recipe! I have made it for family and friends and now they request I bring this anytime I see them
Erin says
Hi Tori, so happy you loved it!
Erin says
Store this banana bread?? I was dying when I saw that part of the post because this is so delicious that we didn't have to store it very long! It is beyond easy and delicious! This is even better than traditional sugar filled recipes. The texture is beyond perfect and the peanut butter makes it a more filling option than a traditional banana bread.
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you love it so much and it goes quickly!!
Lexy says
Nothing tops this one for me—seriously the best PB banana bread there is!
Erin says
Hi Lexy, so happy you love it!
Rachel Houtteman says
Can I use chia or flax eggs instead of regular eggs? I don’t want it to mess up the texture!
Erin says
Hi Rachel, I haven't tried it with either but think flax eggs would be the better of the two. Let me know what you try and how the bread comes out!!