Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Banana Bread
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunch, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Moist and Tender: The ripe bananas keep this bread deliciously soft.
- Creamy Cheesecake Swirl: A rich cream cheese layer takes it to the next level.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Tools You’ll Need
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
cream cheese banana bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Cream Cheese Banana Bread wafting through your kitchen. This rich and moist banana bread is swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer, making it the perfect mash-up of two classic treats. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is guaranteed to impress!
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Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the mashed bananas. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining banana bread batter.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect, if desired.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth layer.
- Store Properly: Wrap the bread tightly to keep it moist and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.
- Pair with coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Q2: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balanced result.
Q3: Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
A: Sure! The banana bread itself is still moist and delicious without it.
Conclusion: A Creamy Twist on a Classic!
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. With its rich, creamy cheesecake layer and moist banana base, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it disappear in no time!
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 13g
Enjoy every creamy, banana-filled bite, and share your creations with us on social media!
