Name: Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-493507H2M16S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅓ cups overripe bananas, mashed (about 3 medium bananas, ~340g); ¼ cup almond milk (or other dairy-free milk); ⅓ cup coconut sugar; ¼ cup (64g) peanut butter; ¼ cup (50g) coconut oil, melted; 2 tablespoons flax meal; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (120g) oat flour; 1 cup (96g) blanched almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (for swirling and topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 26 reviews

If you’re craving something nostalgic but with a deliciously fresh twist, this Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the comforting warmth of classic banana bread folded with the creamy richness of peanut butter and the bright, fruity bursts of homemade strawberry jam. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create a moist, flavor-packed loaf perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. It’s cozy, indulgent, and somehow healthy enough to feel good about – a total winner in my book!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight containers of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left is a large white bowl filled with light flour-like powder. To its right, there is a large white bowl with a thick dark purple berry sauce with visible seeds and a shiny texture. Above the sauce, a tiny white bowl holds golden honey. To the right of the honey is another small white bowl, this one with white salt. Below the flour, a small white bowl contains crushed nuts that look pale and rough in texture. Next to that is a small white bowl with light brown creamy peanut butter, smooth and shiny. Below is a tiny white bowl of clear dark amber vanilla extract. Two ripe spotted yellow bananas sit in the middle right of the image. On the far right, there is a white bowl holding a single light brown egg. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor of this Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe. From the natural sweetness and moisture of overripe bananas to the nutty richness of peanut butter, every component adds its own magic to the loaf.

1⅓ cups overripe bananas (mashed): Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moist texture.
¼ cup almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds subtle creaminess without dairy.
⅓ cup coconut sugar: A gentle sweetener that brings a slight caramel note.
¼ cup peanut butter: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the bread tender and rich.
¼ cup coconut oil, melted: Enhances moistness and adds a tropical hint.
2 tablespoons flax meal: Acts as a binder to keep the bread perfectly structured.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness.
1 cup oat flour: Provides a light, tender crumb and mild nutty flavor.
1 cup blanched almond flour: Adds richness and keeps the bread wholesome.
1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise nicely.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create a fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces a cozy spice that complements the banana and peanut butter.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries: The star ingredient in the jam, providing fruity brightness.
2 tablespoons chia seeds: Helps thicken the jam naturally and adds a nutritional boost.
¼ cup creamy peanut butter: For swirling on top, creating that signature peanut butter & jelly swirl.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your loaf pan generously with coconut oil or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your banana bread won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking. Mash the bananas until smooth—that natural sweetness will be a flavor base you’ll adore!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, almond milk, coconut sugar, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, flax meal, and vanilla extract together. This blend brings together creamy, moist, and subtly sweet elements that are the heart of this bread’s incredible texture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir everything just until combined. The combination of flours and leavening agents is key to giving your loaf a lovely crumb that isn’t too dense or heavy.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Jam

If using fresh berries, dice them first, then microwave for one minute. For frozen berries, microwave covered for two minutes, then mash and microwave for an additional minute after stirring in chia seeds. This quick homemade jam is fresh, vibrant, and thickened naturally, which makes it all the more delightful.

Step 5: Layer Your Loaf

Pour half of the banana batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the strawberry jam over the batter, followed by a drizzle of two tablespoons of peanut butter. Using a knife, gently swirl the jam and peanut butter into the batter to create that irresistible peanut butter and jelly marbled effect.

Step 6: Add Remaining Batter and Toppings

Carefully add the rest of the banana bread batter on top and repeat the layering of the remaining strawberry jam and peanut butter. Give the top another swirl to ensure every bite has a generous touch of those classic flavors.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50 minutes to an hour until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf after 40 minutes—if it starts to brown too much, tent with foil to prevent burning. Depending on your pan size, check for doneness at around 40-45 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential so the loaf sets properly and slices without crumbling, revealing those lovely swirls and tender crumb inside.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe

A slice of dark brown bread with a soft texture sits on a white speckled plate, topped with a thick layer of smooth light brown peanut butter spread in the middle and a thin layer of pinkish-red jam near the top edge; next to the plate is a white spreading knife with a wooden handle, covered partially with peanut butter resting on a dark baking tray, beside an uncut piece of bread drizzled with swirls of the same peanut butter and jam, and fresh red strawberries on a white marbled surface scattered with peanuts and a cream-colored textured cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of cinnamon on each slice for an extra dash of color and flavor. A drizzle of warm peanut butter or honey on top can elevate the experience and make each bite feel even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold almond milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. The creamy textures and slight tang of dairy balance beautifully with the sweet and nutty loaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and using it as a base for mini open-faced peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Or toast a slice lightly and spread extra peanut butter and jam on top for a gooey, delightful snack. The swirl of jam and peanut butter in the bread also makes for a stunning presentation for brunch gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it well-covered preserves moisture and flavor, ensuring your Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe stays fresh and delicious.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully! Slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to six months frozen, making it perfect for prepping in advance or saving for unexpected snack cravings.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen banana bread, simply microwave a wrapped slice for about 20-30 seconds, or toast it lightly. Reheating restores the bread’s soft, cakey texture and brings out the delightful aroma of peanut butter and strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, including dairy milk. It won’t significantly change the flavor but almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that complements this recipe nicely.

What if I don’t have oat flour? Can I use regular flour?

You can substitute oat flour with more almond flour or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. Oat flour keeps it tender and moist while adding a mild, nutty undertone.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Since peanut butter and almond flour are key to this recipe’s character, making it completely nut-free would require some modifications. You might try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and a seed-based flour blend, but results will vary.

Is it okay to use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work perfectly here. Just thaw and mash them as directed, and the chia seeds will help thicken the jam beautifully, adding that fresh, fruity spirit to the bread.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to this banana bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even blueberries can be folded into the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful that stirring in too many additions might affect the banana bread’s consistency slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Recipe is a charming blend of classic flavors and wholesome ingredients that always puts a smile on my face. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and flexible enough to fit any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this loaf promises to be a cozy, delicious hit. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!