Yes, the following is better than peanut butter.
I know, you’re all rolling your eyes right now, saying, “How can anything (besides chocolate) be better than peanut butter?” Hear me out; this spread has the one-up on regular pb because it:
- is easier to spread
- is lower in calories (more about this at the end of the post)
- tastes sweeter, without any added sugar, and has a serving of fruit
Above, spread on top of Banana Bread for One.
Another bonus: This recipe doesn’t make as much of a mess as trying to smush sliced banana into a sandwich. As usual, the recipe is so simple that I feel a little silly writing it down.
Banana Butter
- 1 medium banana
- 2 to 4 tablespoons peanut butter, depending on how pb-y you like it (or almond, cashew, walnut butter, etc.)
- optional: I like to add a little cinnamon
My favorite ratio is 4 tablespoons peanut butter to 80 grams (without peel) banana (about 1/2 a large banana). And I often use a frozen banana, which makes this spread taste like peanut butter ice cream!
Procedure: Whir the two ingredients in your food processor or blender until smooth. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge. (If possible, it’s best to let the mixture sit for a few hours before enjoying, as the taste becomes more robust with time.)
Above, spread over a Breakfast Pizza Cake.
Other Ideas for Use:
This creation can be used anywhere you’d use regular peanut butter—warmed up and drizzled over oatmeal, as a sandwich spread, dip, or pudding, as a smooth-and-velvety topping for waffles or pancakes, on vegan ice cream, or simply eaten plain off a spoon (or out of the blender, depending on your level of self-restraint!).
As for calories… Ok, so I’m having a bit of a dilemma: Recently I’ve been getting quite a few requests from readers asking if I can add calorie counts to my recipes. I don’t count calories, but I know that a lot of you (readers and fellow bloggers) do count. So, since I really try hard to make my recipes—and my blog in general—suitable for everyone, and since it’s not hard for me to figure out the calorie counts anyway, I thought I’d ask: Do you want me to add calorie info to my recipes? Please vote; either way, I’m interested in hearing your opinion. And until I figure this dilemma out, here are the nutritional stats for the banana butter:
Banana Butter Calories:
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (based on my favorite combination)
Calories per serving: about 40 calories
(As a reference, regular peanut butter has about 100 calories per tablespoon.)
Variations:
Yes, there is a chocolate version.
🙂
Oh my goodness. I just made this and my mind was BLOWN. I absolutely adore the flavor combo or peanut butter and bananas, and I can’t believe I haven’t tried something like this before. The flavor is amazing, and only gets better after a few hours in the fridge. I made myself a single batch (1/2 banana and 4 tbsp PB) and already ate half of it. The rest has been used (or is going to be used) in my overnight oats for tomorrow morning! Mine doesn’t look nearly as smooth and fluffy as yours, but I hand-whisked it. I think next time I’ll just suck it up and use the electric mixer, because I eat with my eyes as much as I do my stomach haha.
Such a fantastic recipe…thanks for sharing!
I love this and used to make it, although I never blended it together in a blender, just my hand with a fork/spoon. “Just how long will this recipe keep in the fridge”? Can I make it like peanut butter and it will keep? Thanks, Denise
How long does this typically last in the fridge?
This looks absolutely amazing!!! I love both banana and PB, but hate the hassle of slicing and dirtying more dishes, so thank you for making my life easier Katie!!!
As for the calorie counts, I’m the odd one out when I say yes to add them. For many years, I was overweight and have a slower metabolism due to genetics. I need to count my calories to stay at an average weight, but often times I don’t have the time because I am a single mom with a full-time job. Posting calorie counts would really help me out!!!
Love the sound of this spread…. I am a peanut butter devotee, but have been worried about eating it too much for obvious reasons. Am off to buy some banana’s today to give it a try.
I am looking forward to exploring the rest of you blog.
This is so simple, I can’t believe I have never thought of this !! Thank you, NEED to make this soon!
i seriously cant get enough of this stuff! 🙂
I vote yes to the calories- I’m not a counter myself but it’s really helpful and great when I’m serving to people who are doubtful or skeptical of “healthy desserts”
Great recipes!!!
Yum! Nif you coul create a healthier jelly or jam recipe… 😉
Hi! Thank you for the fabulous recipe! How long does it keep for?