Perhaps you can surprise mom with this beautiful and decadent banana bread. The Rock Star said, and I quote “This is the best banana bread I’ve ever had. Like… Ever.” Well, I could pretty much throw peanut butter and chocolate into anything and get the “best ever” response. If you follow me, you know about his love affair with the combo… It’s real and it’s deep! He was right, though. This bread was WAY over the top. Lots of peanut butter, lots of chocolate and a very moist banana-y bread. 

You will need the following:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 very ripe, darkly speckled bananas, mashed well (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup half n half
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Line the bottom of a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment then grease the parchment paper with cooking spray. 
3. In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Set it aside.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract and peanut butter until well combined.
5. Lightly fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula just until combined. (The batter will be thick and chunky. Do not over mix.) Stir in the peanut butter chips, reserving 1/4 cup to sprinkle on the top, then scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan. 
6. Bake the bread for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This bread is a keeper. Never toss out an over ripe banana. Just stick it in the freezer peel and all, perfect for use in smoothies and a variety of baked goods. I hope you will enjoy this!

Swearing Mom out.