Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread – Moist, Easy, and Delicious

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the combo of peanut butter and jelly. Now imagine it swirled inside soft, moist banana bread… that’s the magic of this peanut butter & jelly banana bread.

I made this on a cozy Sunday morning, and the moment it came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like childhood.

Warm banana, nutty peanut butter, and sweet fruity jelly—it’s everything I didn’t know I needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The peanut butter adds a creamy richness that balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.

Jelly swirls create beautiful marbling and fruity pops in every slice.

It’s an easy one-bowl batter—no mixer needed!

The texture is ultra-moist, tender, and sliceable.

It keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ripe bananas – the more spots, the better! They bring natural sweetness and moisture.

Creamy peanut butter – binds the batter and adds that irresistible nutty flavor.

Jelly or jam – grape or strawberry works beautifully, but any favorite will do.

All-purpose flour & baking soda – gives the bread its structure.

Butter & sugar – for richness and sweetness.

Egg & vanilla extract – the final touch for flavor and texture balance.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Make sure your bananas are fully ripe—they mash easier and taste sweeter.

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour—just until incorporated.

Swirl the jelly gently. Don’t overdo it or it’ll blend instead of streaking.

Let the bread cool completely before slicing for best results.

You can double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later!

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread

Step 1. Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until creamy.

Add peanut butter, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg.

Mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture—do not overmix.

Step 2. Create the First Layer

Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Dollop teaspoons of jelly evenly across the surface.

Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the jelly into the batter, creating visible ribbons.

Step 3. Add the Second Layer

Pour the remaining batter over the swirled layer and smooth out.

Repeat with more jelly dollops and swirl again, just enough to marble the top.

Step 4. Bake the Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes.

The top should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean from the center.

Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

What to Serve It With

A hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk.

Drizzle with extra peanut butter or jelly if you want to go all-in!

Perfect as-is for breakfast, snack, or even dessert.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap jelly flavors – blueberry, raspberry, or apricot work great.

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly options.

Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.

Make mini loaves or muffins—just adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage & Leftovers

Store covered at room temp for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it extra moist.

Wrap slices and freeze individually for grab-and-go treats.

Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before mashing.

Can I skip the jelly?
Absolutely—just make classic peanut butter banana bread instead!

What’s the best peanut butter for this?
Creamy, no-stir peanut butter works best for consistent texture.

How do I know it’s baked through?
A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs from the center.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Can I add protein powder?
You can add a scoop, but reduce the flour slightly and watch the texture.

Do I have to swirl the jelly?
Swirling gives a prettier look, but you can layer it without swirling too.

Final Thoughts

This peanut butter & jelly banana bread is everything you love about the classic sandwich—made cozy and golden in loaf form.

It’s nostalgic, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you bake it for breakfast meal prep, to satisfy a sweet craving, or to use up bananas on the counter, this recipe never disappoints.

And once you taste it? It just might become your new favorite banana bread.