Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups oat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (for swirl)
• 1/4 cup jelly or jam of choice (for swirl)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.
5. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and jelly over the batter and swirl with a knife.
6. Add the remaining batter on top and repeat the peanut butter and jelly swirl process.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients

• Calories: 210 per slice
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 6g

The Health Benefits of Bananas in Baking

Bananas are the foundation of this bread, contributing moisture, natural sweetness, and a variety of important nutrients. Bananas are naturally rich in potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. They also provide dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you fuller for longer. In baking, mashed bananas act as a natural sweetener, reducing the need for refined sugars. They also add structure and moisture, meaning you can use less oil or butter in the recipe.

Using overripe bananas in this recipe not only enhances the natural sweetness but also reduces food waste, making this bread a sustainable and delicious choice.

Peanut Butter Adds Flavor and Protein

Peanut butter is one of the standout ingredients in this recipe. Its rich, nutty flavor complements the bananas perfectly, creating a bread that’s hearty and satisfying. Peanut butter also brings valuable nutritional benefits, especially when you use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils. It’s an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health, as well as plant-based protein, which helps keep you satisfied.

Beyond its nutritional value, peanut butter adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the bread, especially when swirled into the batter. Each slice has a delicious ribbon of peanut butter that enhances the overall experience, turning this banana bread into something truly special.

The Fruity Burst from Jelly or Jam

The addition of jelly or jam takes this banana bread to the next level, adding a fun pop of fruity flavor and a nostalgic nod to the classic PB&J sandwich. Depending on your preference, you can choose any flavor of jam — strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or even grape. For a healthier option, you can opt for a low-sugar or fruit-sweetened jam, keeping the bread on the lighter side while still enjoying that burst of flavor.

Swirling the jelly into the batter creates a beautiful marbled effect, making each slice visually appealing as well as delicious. The fruity contrast to the nutty peanut butter and sweet banana makes every bite feel like a comforting trip down memory lane.

Oat Flour for Wholesome Goodness

This recipe uses oat flour instead of traditional all-purpose flour, boosting the fiber content and providing a gluten-free option for those with sensitivities (as long as you use certified gluten-free oats). Oat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter, while also adding extra nutrition. Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that supports heart health by helping lower cholesterol levels.

Oat flour also contributes to the bread’s tender crumb, giving it a moist, hearty texture that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Natural Sweeteners Keep It Healthy

Instead of relying on refined sugar, this recipe uses natural maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the bananas and complement the peanut butter. Maple syrup is minimally processed and contains trace minerals like manganese and zinc. Combined with the natural sweetness of the bananas and jam, it creates a well-balanced flavor without overwhelming the bread with sugar.

This makes the bread suitable for health-conscious eaters, parents looking for better-for-you snacks for their kids, or anyone who enjoys a treat without the guilt.

A Balanced Nutritional Profile

One of the best features of this banana bread is its balanced macronutrient profile. Each slice offers a combination of carbohydrates from the bananas and oat flour, healthy fats from the peanut butter, and protein from both the eggs and peanut butter. This balance makes the bread more satiating than typical quick breads, which are often heavy on carbs and sugar but lacking in protein and fat.

With its higher fiber and protein content, this banana bread helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the energy crashes that can come from more refined baked goods. It’s a perfect option for fueling busy mornings or providing a steady energy boost between meals.

Kid-Friendly and Perfect for Lunchboxes

The peanut butter and jelly flavor combination is practically guaranteed to be a hit with kids, making this banana bread an ideal addition to lunchboxes. It’s a great way to sneak in some nutrition while still offering a treat that feels fun and familiar. Since it’s naturally sweetened and made with whole ingredients, parents can feel good about serving it to their children.

To make it even more kid-friendly, you could bake the batter into muffins instead of a loaf, creating perfectly portioned snacks that are easy to pack and eat on the go.

Customization Options

Another great feature of this banana bread is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize it to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. For example:

• Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
• Swap the jelly for fresh berries or a homemade fruit compote.
• Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle in some dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent twist.
• Use flax eggs to make it vegan.

This flexibility makes the recipe a great base for experimentation, ensuring you never get bored with your banana bread routine.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This banana bread stores well at room temperature for a couple of days, and it also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. You can also toast the slices and spread with a bit of extra peanut butter for a warm, comforting treat.

It pairs well with coffee or tea in the morning or a glass of almond milk for an afternoon snack. You can even top it with Greek yogurt and berries for a more filling breakfast.

Conclusion

Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread is more than just a baked good — it’s a nostalgic, comforting treat reinvented with healthier ingredients. It offers the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors, all packed into a moist, hearty loaf that works for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. With wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, oat flour, natural peanut butter, and fruit-sweetened jelly, it strikes a beautiful balance between indulgence and nutrition.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy classic flavors in a healthier format, whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for a busy week, or just treating yourself to something delicious. Easy to customize and endlessly satisfying, Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Banana Bread deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Whether you grew up loving PB&J sandwiches or simply appreciate a wholesome, flavorful baked good, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.