This healthy peanut butter banana bread is soft, fluffy, and tastes like a warm peanut butter cup. It's made with simple ingredients, naturally sweetened, and completely dairy-free. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a sweet treat!

I originally published this healthy peanut butter bread recipe in December 2020. I'm now updating the photos, adding more step-by-step shots, and sharing new tips to make it even easier for you to bake!
I've made a lot of banana breads over the years, but this one might be my favorite. It's super soft, packed with peanut butter flavor, and honestly tastes like a warm peanut butter cup in banana bread form. The melty chocolate chips don't hurt either.
I wanted to create a banana bread that felt a little indulgent but was still made with better-for-you ingredients. Something I could enjoy for breakfast with coffee, or sneak a slice of after dinner. This one checks all the boxes—naturally sweetened with maple syrup, made with whole grains, and totally dairy-free.
It's also seriously easy to make! Just mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a loaf pan, and swirl a little extra peanut butter on top if you're feeling fancy. There are no mixers or weird ingredients—just everyday pantry staples and a few ripe bananas.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Tastes like dessert: This healthy banana bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with peanut butter flavor—like a peanut butter cup in bread form!
- Wholesome ingredients: Made with white whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and no dairy or refined sugar.
- Easy to make: Everything comes together in one bowl—no fancy tools or complicated steps.
- Naturally sweetened: Ripe bananas and maple syrup add the perfect amount of sweetness without needing any refined sugar.
The ingredients
Peanut butter: I highly recommend using all-natural creamy peanut butter for this healthy banana bread. It adds so much flavor and keeps the loaf nice and soft.
Milk: Any kind works! I usually use almond milk, but oat, dairy, or even soy milk are great too. Just a splash to loosen up the batter.
Coconut oil: Helps make the bread super moist without needing butter. Make sure it's melted before mixing in.
Maple syrup: I love using maple syrup here instead of sugar—it's a natural sweetener and adds the best cozy flavor.
Eggs: Just two eggs to help the banana bread rise and hold together.
Vanilla extract: A must for flavor! It adds a sweet, warm taste that brings everything together.
White whole wheat flour: A wholesome flour that's lighter than regular whole wheat but still adds fiber and nutrients.
Baking powder & baking soda: The combo of both gives this loaf the perfect fluffy texture.
Check out the Substitutions & Variations section below if you have any ingredient questions! Otherwise, the full recipe with measurements is at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until combined.
Add the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture.
Stir until just combined.
Spoon a little extra peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it with a knife for a fun peanut butter swirl.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let your healthy peanut butter banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Video Tutorial
Top Tips
- Use overripe bananas: The more spots, the better. Overripe bananas will make your bread sweeter and softer.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix everything just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
- Let it cool before slicing: Let the bread cool for a bit before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for swirling peanut butter)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
Substations & Variations
- No coconut oil? You can use melted butter or avocado oil instead.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the white whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
- Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free already.
- Add chocolate chips: I highly recommend them if you're a chocolate + peanut butter fan! Stir in ½ cup for a little extra indulgence.
- White whole wheat flour: You can use regular whole wheat flour, too, but just know the flavor will be a little stronger and nuttier.
How to Store
Let the banana bread cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week—just warm up a slice before eating!
You can also freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It'll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor.
When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), it's ready. Keep an eye on the top—it should be golden brown.
If your banana bread is gooey in the middle, it might not have fully cooked through. This can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if the bread wasn't baked long enough. Make sure to check with a toothpick—insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), it's done. Also, every oven is a little different, so you might need to bake it a little longer depending on yours.
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 over-ripe medium bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup creamy natural peanut butter, + more for swirl on top
- ¼ cup any milk, almond, oat, cashew or cow’s milk
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Optional: add ½ cup of chocolate chips if you want.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Optional: Spoon a little extra peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it with a knife for a fun peanut butter swirl.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
joei kate says
seriously so yummy, (and super healthy which is also a bonus lol) i’m for sure making this again!! 💕
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Joei, I am so glad you loved this recipe! It is so soft and fluffy. One of my go to's when I have brown bananas lying around.
Beth Yeo says
just made this recipe and I'm obsessed! it's so simple and delicious with the perfect texture! definitely gonna be on repeat over here from now on 🙂
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Beth! Thank you so much; I am thrilled to hear this! Peanut butter is my favorite and what better way to enjoy it with banana bread!
Halls says
My new favorite banana bread recipe!
Marcy Wilkins says
Just made this! It is delicious! Much healthier than my old recipe and even better tasting! Love it!
Tati Chermayeff says
Marcy, thank you for your kind review! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Natalie says
So moist and fluffy! I love the peanut butter addition to this banana bread. It is simple, yet so tasty!
Maria says
I made this recipe yesterday following instructions to the letter with the exception that my oven isn't working at this moment so I decided to give it a try by using my toaster oven and mini loaf pans. My idea worked and I ended up with the most delicious banana breads.
Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
Danya Z says
Absolutely delicious so soft and moist and the peanut butter adds that little extra yummyness. I don’t think I’ll ever make banana bread any other way for now on. Wonderful quick and easy recipe for the whole family to enjoy.
Tati Chermayeff says
Danya, thank you so much for your comment! I am so happy you loved this banana bread recipe. It is one of my favorites 🙂