Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

This classic peanut butter and jelly banana bread is soft, moist, and packed with comforting flavours. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness, creamy peanut butter brings richness, and a ripple of jam gives a gentle fruity contrast in every slice. It is an easy, no-fuss bake that suits beginners and experienced bakers alike. From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Ingredients

For the banana bread

• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 100g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 150g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 120g smooth peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 225g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 0.5 tsp salt

For the filling and topping

• 5 to 6 tbsp strawberry or raspberry jam
• 1 small banana, sliced lengthways, optional

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin with baking parchment, making sure the paper comes up the sides for easy removal.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
• Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gently fold this into the banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Layer the jam: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared tin and level gently. Dollop half of the jam over the batter and lightly swirl with a knife. Add the remaining batter, then repeat with the rest of the jam.
• Bake the bread: Arrange banana slices on top if using. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until well risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool and remove: Leave the banana bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the mixture is overmixed or the oven door is opened too early. Mix gently and keep the oven closed for at least the first 40 minutes.

How do I stop the jam sinking to the bottom?

Layering the jam between the batter rather than mixing it through helps keep it evenly distributed.

Can I make this less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar slightly or use a low-sugar jam without affecting the texture too much.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a little extra peanut butter
• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee
• Toast slices lightly and spread with butter

Storage

Room temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavour.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated fat: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs