I have a few thank-yous to toss out there for this recipe. First of all, a thank-you to Michelle of Lucky Taste Buds for masterminding the Peanut Butter Jelly Banana Bread recipe that I changed only slightly (I added vanilla and cinnamon, used half the amount of sweetener, and opted for unsweetened varieties of both vanilla almond milk and applesauce). More on the magnificent bread in a bit.
I must also – belatedly – thank Elina of Healthy and Sane for hosting a giveaway for NuNaturals Stevia products a while back. I was one of the lucky winners, and have been experimenting with the company’s NuStevia Sweetener Stevia Baking Blend in a variety of baked goods and desserts.
My take on this 100% natural, low-calorie (15 per Tbsp), preservative- and artificial sweetener-free sugar substitute is as follows:
- My first choice of sweetener will always be of the non-refined variety (date sugar, pure maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, etc.).
- Just as I do with all forms of sugar, I use conservative amounts of the Stevia Baking Blend in my baked goods… all sweeteners are best consumed in moderation!
- Even though there is some controversy surrounding the nutritional profile of Stevia, I would much sooner consume it than any of the artificial sweeteners on market shelves.
- Although it has a slightly distinctive flavor when tasted straight from the container, the Stevia Baking Blend melds right into batters once baked.
If you’re looking for a low-calorie, all-natural sugar substitute, give this product a try!
Ok, back to the grub…
I cannot sing the praises of this tender, flavorful quick bread loudly enough! In every bite the rich peanut butter flavor is complimented by the subtle sweetness from the bananas and strawberry jam. Everything I love about a PB&J and banana sandwich is jam-packed into one hearty slice of drool-worthy bread.
I typically freeze half of whatever batch of baked goods I’ve most recently made, but something tells me this loaf won’t get the chance to see the inside of our freezer. In fact, I bet it won’t even last a week in the fridge.
| Name | PB&J Banana Bread |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 50-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Servings | 10 |
| Yield | 1 loaf |
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup jelly or jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape work well)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will ensure your PB&J Banana Bread doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your bread will be.
Add the creamy peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix them together until they are well combined. This step adds a delightful nutty flavor and creaminess to the bread.
4. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Stir in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
5. Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
6. Layer with Jelly
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Then, dollop half of the jelly or jam over the batter. Swirl it gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
7. Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining banana bread batter on top of the jelly layer and then repeat with the remaining jelly or jam, creating a second layer of swirls.
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
9. Cool and Slice
Once your PB&J Banana Bread is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of childhood with a grown-up twist in this PB&J Banana Bread recipe. Whether served warm with a dollop of extra peanut butter or simply enjoyed on its own, this bread will quickly become a household favorite. Share it with friends and family or savor it as a personal treat; either way, you’re in for a delightful, nostalgia-filled experience. Enjoy!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
