Are you craving a comforting, flavourful treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This peanut butter bread recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dessert or even a unique breakfast option. Forget those store-bought loaves; this homemade version is bursting with rich peanut butter flavour and a delightful soft texture. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a delicious loaf in no time. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but it's entirely possible by hand with a little elbow grease.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Peanut Butter Power: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The beautiful peanut butter swirls will add a delightful visual appeal to your loaf.
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Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and allows it to maintain its shape. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut butter bread!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Storage: Store your peanut butter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Banana Peanut Butter Bread: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the batter for extra moisture and flavor.
- Spiced Peanut Butter Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
This recipe provides a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to adjust sweetness or add your favorite mix-ins to personalize this easy and delicious peanut butter bread. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen! Happy baking!