When it comes to breakfast or dessert, there's nothing quite like a classic combination that brings back memories of childhood. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a brown - bag lunch staple, but have you ever thought about transforming it into a delicious banana bread? With this Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread recipe, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Let's start with the ingredients. For the bread, you'll need ripe bananas, which are the heart of any good banana bread. The natural sweetness and moisture they bring are essential. You'll also require all - purpose flour, which provides the structure of the bread. Baking soda and salt are crucial for the leavening and flavor balance. Granulated sugar adds the necessary sweetness, and eggs act as a binder.

Now, let's talk about the star ingredients - peanut butter and jelly. Instead of the traditional way of stuffing slices of bread with PB&J, we're going to stir peanut butter right into the batter. This ensures that every bite is filled with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. You can choose your favorite type of peanut butter - whether it's creamy or chunky. As for the jelly, we'll create a beautiful swirl on top of the batter. You can use strawberry, grape, or any other flavor of preserves that you love.

To begin the process, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 - inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth. Add the granulated sugar and eggs, and mix well. Then, stir in the peanut butter. The peanut butter will give the batter a thick and creamy consistency. Next, sift in the all - purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can result in a tough bread.

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the greased loaf pan. Now, it's time to create the jelly swirl. Spoon dollops of your chosen jelly evenly over the top of the batter. Then, take a knife and gently swirl the jelly into the batter. This will create a beautiful marbled effect.

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 - 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. When the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

This Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. It makes a great snack throughout the day, and it's also a wonderful dessert option. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat.

If you want to get creative, you can add some extra ingredients to the bread. For example, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the batter before baking. This will add a nice crunch to the bread. You can also add a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.

In conclusion, this Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic combination. It's easy to make, and the results are always amazing. So, the next time you're looking for a new breakfast or dessert idea, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!