Gourmet Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Itโs time that the humble peanut butter sandwich got a facelift โ and a healthy one at that! These grilled banana peanut butter sandwiches are an elevated, gourmet version of a classic, with walnuts and spices for a tasty and nutritious bite. Super kid-friendly, ready in 15 minutes!
Who said that PB sandwiches had to be 1) boring 2) just for kids and 3) the same every time? Iโm a huge fan of PB&J, probably because I had it almost every day when I was a kid: so it has some element of nostalgia for me. And even though I can be a creature of habit a lot of the time, the same ingredients (bread, nut butter, some sort of fruit spread), can get a tiny bit monotonous.
My kids could also eat banana peanut butter sandwiches every single day, but even they want to change things up once in a while. So I decided to reinvent the classic peanut butter sandwich to give it a more gourmet, delicious upgrade!
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๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ณ Why This Recipe Works
- One of those easy recipes you can make again and again
- Healthier than a classic pb&j, but tastes just as good (or even better!)
- Kid-friendly
- Gluten free option
- Vegan option
- Best peanut butter sandwich ever!
๐ฅ Ingredients
This popular sandwich can be easily made with simple ingredients found in your pantry at most grocery stores! See the recipe card below for detailed ingredients and instructions.
- Gooey Peanut Butter: Either crunchy peanut butter or creamy peanut butter will work for this recipe, just make sure to get all natural peanut butter that has just two ingredients: peanuts and salt.
- Almond Butter: Combine with the peanut butter filling for a more complex flavor!
- Bananas: A sliced medium banana adds sweetness without added sugar.
- Sprouted Wheat Bread: We used sprouted wheat bread because itโs a healthy carb, and itโs even healthier than whole wheat bread (it has more protein and fiber). You can also use gluten free bread, or even my simple buckwheat bread recipe.
- Cinnamon: For some warm spice! You can also use any other sweet warm spices you like (see variations below for suggestions)
- Walnuts: For added texture and healthy fats!
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup for a vegan option, or omit this for a sugar free pb&j sandwich.
๐ Variations
Kids and adults alike are going to love this sandwich, and theyโll never guess that itโs actually good for them! If you want to mix things up even more, here are some other variations to try with this banana peanut butter sandwich:
- Use different fresh fruit: diced strawberries, apples, pear, blueberries, sliced grapes, mangoes or peaches, all work well. Whole pomegranate seeds, or sliced figs are more adventurous options to try instead of the banana in this recipe.
- Change up the spices! I used cinnamon in this recipe, but nutmeg, all spice, pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of cloves or cardamom would all work well. For a more โadultโ flavor, try a pinch of cayenne or chili powder!
- Make it more of a classic pb&j sandwich: Add your favorite jelly ideas to this sandwich instead of the honey / maple syrup! Try grape jelly, strawberry jam, strawberry preserve, blueberry jam, or even orange marmalade!
- Make it into a quesadilla! Replace the sprouted wheat bread with whole wheat flour tortillas and grill it on a griddle.
- Try a different spread: Replace the peanut butter mixture with sunbutter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, or even cream cheese.
- Make a gluten free peanut butter sandwich: Just use your favorite gluten free bread instead of the sprouted wheat bread!
- Try different nuts: Try almonds, peanuts or cashews as whole crushed nuts instead of the walnuts. You could also whip up a custom blend of โpeanut butterโ using a mix of nut butters, nuts, seeds, granola or even coconut flakes!
- Make it into a treat: For a more decadent feel, try using french toast or these pancakes as the bread slices in this recipe! You can also add some marshmallow fluff, cookie butter, chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, chocolate syrup or caramel syrup into this sandwich for more of a dessert like feel.
๐ช Instructions
Step 1: Spread the peanut & almond butter mixture on both slices of bread, and top one half with sliced bananas
Step 2: Chop 3-4 walnuts, and add on top of the banana slices along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey
Step 3: Top with the other slice of bread (that already has peanut/almond butter spread on it), and place sandwiches in the panini press (or grill sandwiches on a grill pan over medium heat if you donโt have a panini press)
At this time, the nut butters, banana and honey are getting all melty and gooeyโฆ
Step 4: Once the top has browned and sides of the sandwiches are slightly crispy, remove from the sandwich press and let cool for 1-2 min. Cut your gourmet banana peanut butter sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm or at room temperature.
I love the natural sweetness you get in this sandwich from the bananas, and the tiny drizzle of honey just enhances this. The grilling really helps to release the flavors, as well a making it really gooey!
โRecipe FAQs
The typical peanut butter and jelly sandwich isnโt very healthy for you. The classic recipe consists of a couple of slices of white bread, a big scoop of peanut butter, and two or three spoonfuls of jelly. Itโs mostly just sugar (thanks to the refined white carbs and jelly), and can run you upwards of 20 grams of sugar for that meal (as much as a Snickers bar!)
But this recipe is just as tasty as the traditional version, and is healthy for you too! We make this sandwich healthy by making a few swaps:
1) Replacing the white bread with sprouted wheat bread โ which has a healthy dose of fiber, protein and whole grains.
2) Adding banana, which is a rich source of potassium and fiber.
3) Adding walnuts, which provide omega 3s and antioxidants.
4) Combining peanut and almond butter, which adds healthy fat
5) No jelly โ this recipe has much less sugar because we removed the jelly. You donโt need it with the banana, spices, and honey / maple syrup!
Each serving has a robust 9 grams of fiber, 17 grams of protein, and only 3 grams added sugar: a healthy and filling sandwich!
One peanut butter sandwich a day (or a couple days a week) along with a balanced diet likely wonโt make you gain weight. As with everything, moderation is important so donโt go overboard!
If you eat this version of a peanut butter sandwich (paired with some fresh veggies on the side), itโll likely keep you full and satisfied until your next meal and youโll be less likely to snack on unhealthy items in between meals.
Studies have shown that snacking on controlled amounts of peanut butter or peanuts is a good way to control hunger without weight gain (source), since 2 tablespoons of peanut butter has 190 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein.
I like serving this banana peanut butter sandwich recipe with fresh veggies on the side to round out the meal: celery sticks and carrot sticks go great with this, as does a simple side salad! Baked potato chips are more of a classic side, as is some fresh fruit!
I donโt recommend storing this sandwich in an airtight container and eating it later. While it will be perfectly safe to eat, the peanut butter will absorb into the bread so it wonโt be as gooey, and the bread will likely get a little soggy and soft, even when stored in
๐ญ Expert Tips
- Use ripe bananas for this gourmet peanut butter sandwich โ they will be much sweeter, and choose an organic peanut butter with no added sugar.
- To make this gluten free, just use your favorite gluten-free bread, or try this homemade gluten free bread recipe!
- If you donโt have a panini press, you can grill these in a pan on the stove top.
- For best results, enjoy this sandwich fresh off the panini press, while itโs still hot!
- To make this even more fun for kids, use cookie cutters to create tiny sandwiches in fun shapes: hearts, stars, dinosaurs have all been a big hit with my kids. Or you could do a seasonal theme: pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas trees for Christmas, snowmen for winter!
๐ฅช More Healthy Sandwich Recipes!
- Greek Pita Sandwich
- Kale, Garlic and Caramelized Onion Paninis
- Vegan Reuben
- Spicy Samosa Wraps with Tamarind Chutney
- Goat Cheese, Pear and Arugula Paninis
- Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
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๐ Recipe Card
๐ฅ Watch How to Make It
Gourmet Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Sprouted Wheat Bread (like Ezekiel)
- 1 tsp chopped walnuts
- ยฝ banana sliced
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- ยฝ tsp maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Spread the peanut & almond butter mixture on both slices of bread, and top one half with sliced bananas
- Add chopped walnuts on top of the banana slices along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.
- Top with the other slice of bread (that already has peanut/almond butter spread on it), and put into the panini press (or grill in a griddle pan if you don't have a panini press)
- Once the top has browned and is slightly crispy, remove from panini press and let cool for 1-2 min.
- Cut sandwich in half and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ripe bananas โ they will be much sweeter, and choose an organic peanut butter with no added sugar.
- If you donโt have a panini press, you can grill these in a pan on the stove top.
- For best results, enjoy this sandwich fresh off the panini press, while itโs still hot!
- To make this gluten free, just use your favorite gluten-free bread!
- To make this even more fun for kids, use cookie cutters to cut a peanut butter sandwich into tiny sandwiches in fun shapes: hearts, stars, dinosaurs have all been a big hit with my kids. Or you could do a seasonal theme: pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas trees for Christmas, snowmen for winter!
- Use different fresh fruit: diced strawberries, apples, pear, mangoes or peaches, all work well. Whole pomegranate seeds, or sliced figs are more adventurous options to try instead of the banana in this recipe
- Change up the spices! I used cinnamon in this recipe, but nutmeg, all spice, pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of cloves or cardamom would all work well. For a more โadultโ flavor, try a pinch of cayenne or chili powder!
- Make it into a quesadilla! Replace the sprouted wheat bread with whole wheat tortillas and grill it on a griddle.
- Replace the peanut/almond butter with sunbutter!
- Try almonds, peanuts or cashews as whole crushed nuts instead of the walnuts. You could also whip up a custom blend of โpeanut butterโ using a mix of nut butters, seeds, granola or even coconut flakes!
- For a more decadent feel, try using these pancakes as the โbreadโ in this recipe!
I never thought of grilling a PB&J …. But you can bet I’m thinking of it now. Yum!
Yay!! I’m sure you’ll love it!
It looks grilled, and makes me think of a panini. I wish more people knew about peanut butter and banana–it’s SO good! Yummy. Can’t wait to try this, thanks for the inspiration. All of the ingredients look good by themselves!
Thanks Alissa! Sometimes, I have to admit, I just eat PB and Bananas as a snack – it is delicious!
I grew up on grilled peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. SO GOOD! Now, I make sure my bacon is organic and humanely raised, and it’s even better. Will be trying this soon. Thanks. ๐
I’ve heard that PB and bacon is delicious!
Can someone make a PB sandwich that tastes amazing WITHOUT bananas? I hate bananas… please, thank you. ๐
haha! Try substituting any dried fruit for bananas (raisins and apricots would both taste great). You can also try substituting apple slices or pear slices – I think both would be amazing! Hope that helps ๐
Looks good.. ๐ nice reinvention
That’s not the kind of peanut butter sandwich I grew up with! Nice!
this looks sooooo good! this is the best pb sandwich ive ever seen!
looks delicious
yummy
Olala, love this recipe, just bought panini press last week have to try it…. fantastic:)
Wow that is one great looking pb and banana sandwich! I never make any but this one really looks delicious ๐
Thanks!! I’m sure you’ll love it if you make it!
This looks fabulous! Now I’ll be craving a PB&J all day! Nice recipe
We do this too, but never thought to add nuts – yumm!!
I love this! The banana and walnut additions make this look tasty and a little healthier than the traditional PB&J!
Thanks! Yes it is definitely more guilt-free than the regular PBJ – hope you enjoy it!
Grilling is SO the way to go! I love PG&J especially when it has bananas in it! This looks great! I could just reach into the screen and take a half! ๐
Hehe totally! I feel like anything grilled is better than the original ๐
Grilling PB & J is the way to go! We just make regular ol’ PB and Jelly grilled just like you would a grilled cheese (lots of butter on the outside) and it’s amazing (a big glass of cold milk is mandatory!) I’ll have to try these other additions and thanks for the link to the Portland shop, I’ll add it to my list next time we go.
That sounds great!! I agree – traditional PBJ grilled is awesome too ๐ The husband would totally agree with you on the milk!
Sounds good; I just re-tweeted it (May not show up as RT, as I added a comment). By the way, am writing a book about the history of peanut butter: https://www.creamyandcrunch.com.
Thanks for retweeting! I really liked your site & book outline btw – very interesting! And btw – the Trader Joe’s peanut butter is one of my favs too ๐