Step 1

Preheat the oven: to 350 degrees F. Line a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch pan with parchment paper and grease the inside of the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl mix together the mashed banana, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup, milk and vanilla extract to a bowl until well combined.

Step 3

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.

Step 4

Bake: Add banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 5

Make the frosting: Once bread is cool, make your frosting: in the bowl of an electric mixer, add the softened butter and peanut butter and whip on high until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat slow at first, then increase speed to high and beat for approximately two minutes. Frosting should be nice and creamy, if you want it extra creamy, add another ½ tablespoon of milk and beat again. Spread over the bread and top with additional chocolate chips. Serves 12.