Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Name: Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
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 tbsp coconut oil (melted); ¼ cup maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour (spooned and leveled); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda

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!

soft and fluffy peanut butter banana bread

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

all ingredients in healthy peanut butter banana bread in bowls including banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, peanut butter, baking soda, baking powder, white whole wheat flour, milk, and coconut oil

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.

peanut butter, milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract whisked together in a bowl

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.

adding white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients in a bowl

Add the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture.

peanut butter banana bread batter in a bowl

Stir until just combined.

healthy peanut butter banana bread batter in a loaf tin with a peanut butter swirl on top

Spoon a little extra peanut butter on top of the batter and swirl it with a knife for a fun peanut butter swirl.

healthy peanut butter banana bread in loaf tin

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)

healthy peanut butter banana bread with a peanut butter swirl

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

Can I use a different nut butter?

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.

How do I know when the banana bread is done?

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.

Why is my banana bread gooey in the middle?

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.

More banana bread recipes!

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!

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Comments

5 from 11 votes (3 ratings without comment)