Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

→ Dry Ingredients

08 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
09 - 1 tsp baking soda
10 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Mix-ins

11 - 4-5 mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped
12 - 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)
13 - 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Mix in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Don't worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Mix just until no flour streaks remain - don't overmix.
06 - Gently fold in the chopped Reese's cups, chocolate chips, and peanuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
07 - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. For extra decadence, place a few additional Reese's pieces on top.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
09 - Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10 - Slice and enjoy! For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of peanut butter or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

# Notes:

01 - This bread gets even more flavorful the day after baking as the peanut butter flavor deepens.
02 - Make sure your bananas are very ripe with lots of brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
03 - The bread freezes well for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.