Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread: Your New Favorite Quick & Easy Recipe
Discover the ultimate peanut butter quick bread, loaded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dessert!
Life can be wonderfully chaotic, especially when juggling new school schedules and preparing for family visits. This week, as my in-laws arrive to help care for our son while my husband and I embark on a trip for our 15th wedding anniversary, I’m focused on making our mornings as smooth as possible. It’s been over three decades since my mother-in-law had to get a child ready for school, so a little preparation goes a long way!
One of my go-to strategies for simplifying busy mornings is stocking the freezer with quick and easy breakfast options that our son can simply grab himself. Muffins have long been a freezer staple, allowing him to enjoy two with a banana and be out the door in a flash. This delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread fits that bill perfectly. A substantial slice of this flavorful quick bread provides a satisfying start to his day, ensuring he’s fueled and ready for whatever middle school brings.
Why This Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread Will Become a Family Favorite
Beyond its convenience, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread offers a delicious and relatively wholesome treat. The base, featuring plain yogurt and all-natural peanut butter (we love Justin’s brand for its quality), ensures a moist texture and a rich flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Each slice delivers a decent amount of protein, making it a more substantial option than many typical sweet breads.
The star, of course, is the generous scattering of chocolate chips. When enjoyed warm, these chips melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey deliciousness, creating an irresistible experience. If you’re looking to elevate it to a decadent dessert, simply add a generous smear of chocolate hazelnut spread. This bread truly is versatile, seamlessly transitioning from a nutritious breakfast to a satisfying snack or an indulgent dessert.
Mastering the Art of Make-Ahead: Freezing for Ultimate Convenience
One of the true superpowers of quick breads, and especially this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread, is how incredibly well they freeze. This makes them ideal for meal prepping or ensuring you always have a comforting treat on hand. While freezing entire loaves is an option, I’ve discovered that freezing individual slices offers unparalleled ease and flexibility. Here’s how I do it to ensure maximum grab-and-go efficiency:
- Cool Completely: After baking, allow your loaf to cool entirely on a wire rack. This is crucial for preventing condensation and ice crystals once frozen.
- Slice and Separate: Once cool, slice the entire loaf into your desired serving sizes. Uniform slices will freeze and thaw more evenly.
- Flash Freeze: Arrange the individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours, or until the slices are firm and no longer sticky. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from freezing together in a solid block.
- Store Properly: Once flash-frozen, you can stack the slices back into a loaf shape or simply layer them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze and Enjoy: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply grab a slice, and either let it thaw at room temperature, gently warm it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or toast it for a slightly crispy exterior and melty chocolate interior.
This method ensures that whether you need a quick breakfast before school, a pick-me-up snack, or a last-minute dessert, a slice of this delectable bread is always just moments away from being enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This quick bread is incredibly adaptable and can be enjoyed in numerous ways throughout the day:
- Morning Delight: Serve a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
- Afternoon Snack: A perfect companion to your coffee or tea, providing a sweet and satisfying treat.
- Decadent Dessert: Warm it up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a generous spread of chocolate hazelnut butter.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack a slice in a lunchbox for a comforting surprise, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Quick Bread
Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful quick bread is simple with a few baking insights:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, yogurt, and buttermilk at room temperature emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform bake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any quick bread. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dry loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, even if a few small lumps remain.
- Quality Peanut Butter Matters: Opt for a natural, creamy peanut butter. Brands like Justin’s, as mentioned, are great because they typically have fewer added sugars and oils, contributing to a better flavor and texture. Stir natural peanut butter well before measuring, as the oils can separate.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Always grease and flour your loaf pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper (leaving an overhang for easy removal). This prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful loaf comes out intact.
- Monitor Baking Closely: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly before the inside is cooked through, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all natural peanut butter, (I used Justin’s brand)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by coating it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides to easily lift the bread out later.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the all-natural peanut butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a liquid measuring cup, thoroughly mix the plain yogurt and buttermilk until smooth.
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Alternately add the dry and wet mixtures to the peanut butter mixture. Start by adding about half of the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Then, add half of the yogurt and buttermilk mixture, stirring gently. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and yogurt mixture, mixing until all ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a tender crumb.
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Gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula until evenly distributed.
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Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased or parchment-lined 9×5 inch loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of chocolate chips over the top of the batter for an appealing finish and extra chocolatey goodness.
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Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too rapidly during baking, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the inside finishes cooking.
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Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows it to set properly before carefully removing it from the pan. Allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes to Explore:
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delightful flavor of this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread, you’ll be thrilled to discover more fantastic quick bread recipes. They’re perfect for any meal, snack, or dessert, and many are excellent for making ahead and freezing, just like this one!
Delight in the comforting flavors of autumn with our Apple Pie Bread, featuring a sweet and crunchy chocolate chip streusel. It’s like your favorite pie, but in a convenient loaf form!
Spice up your mornings with this aromatic Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread. A perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, it’s wonderful for gifting or keeping all to yourself!
Sneak in some veggies with our decadent Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread. So rich and moist, no one will ever guess there’s zucchini hidden within!
Even More Quick Bread Inspirations:
- Glazed Peach Bread by Deliciously Sprinkled: A summery delight, bursting with fresh peach flavor and a sweet glaze.
- Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread by Something Swanky: A comforting swirl of cinnamon goodness in every slice, perfect with coffee.
- Lemon Blueberry Bread by Glorious Treats: A bright and zesty combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries, ideal for spring.
- Carrot Apple Bread by Averie Cooks: A wholesome and flavorful blend of fruits and vegetables, offering a delightful texture.
**This post is proudly sponsored by Stonyfield and Justin’s, brands we trust for quality ingredients in our kitchen and highly recommend for your baking adventures.