What did people do with over ripe bananas before banana bread was invented? I always used to make mine with walnuts and chocolate chips. Classic. Delicious. Then a little over a year ago I developed an allergy to walnuts, which means my classic banana bread recipe will make my face swell up into something that looks like this:

I haven’t made banana bread since.

So I need a new banana bread recipe. I could put just chocolate chips, but that seemed too easy. After a quick consultation with Janice, I decided peanuts was the way to go. Unfortunately I forgot to buy the peanuts. Instead I used peanut butter, sort of like a pre-made peanut butter and banana sandwich.

My results were mixed. The flavour was great but the overall experience was lacking. I wanted the peanut butter to swirl through the batter, but the two ended up almost completely combined. I think because of the that the cake was a little dry, sort of like having peanut butter without a glass of milk. I also missed the texture of the nuts in the banana bread. Next time I’ll remember to buy the peanuts.

I’m posting the recipe as I made it, but I’d suggest increasing the amount of mashed banana or yogurt, or maybe even butter. Some experimenting may be required. Or just a large glass of milk.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl combine the bananas, butter, eggs and yogurt.
4. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet into it. Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8 by 8 inch pan. Dollop the peanut butter randomly over the batter and swirl into the batter using a knife.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy!

PS: If anyone has a fail proof swirling method, I’d love to know what it is!