Description
Cream cheese banana bread takes the classic banana bread recipe to the next level with the addition of a rich, tangy cream cheese layer. This decadent twist blends the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy, slightly tart flavor of cream cheese, resulting in a moist, tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether you opt for a beautiful cream cheese swirl or a filled layer, this recipe adds a creamy surprise in every bite, elevating the traditional banana bread into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Mix in mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese over the batter. Top with remaining banana batter.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas:
For the best flavor and texture, use overripe bananas with brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. - Cream Cheese Texture:
Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the batter. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and evenly into the batter, giving you a creamier filling or swirl. - Avoid Overmixing:
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy bread. For a tender crumb, use a gentle hand. - Swirl or Layer:
You can choose to either swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect or create a layered filling for a more defined cream cheese core. Both methods result in a delicious final product, but the swirl gives a more decorative appearance. - Baking Time and Temperature:
The bread bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. To avoid over-browning the top, cover the loaf with foil halfway through the baking process. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. - Storage:
To keep the bread fresh, store it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices or the whole loaf by wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. When freezing, the bread will stay good for up to 3 months. - Flavor Add-Ins:
For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar to create a naturally sweetened version. - Healthier Options:
Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier alternative. You can also reduce the sugar content or use low-fat cream cheese to cut back on calories while still enjoying a delicious loaf.