Description
If you love classic banana bread but want to take it up a notch, this Cream Cheese Banana Bread is the ultimate treat. It’s moist, rich, and packed with banana flavor, with a luscious swirl of sweetened cream cheese in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this recipe is a must-try!
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Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- Ripe Bananas (3, mashed) – The riper, the better!
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Gives the bread structure.
- Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup) – Deepens the flavor with a caramel-like richness.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind everything together.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted) – Adds moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Helps the bread rise.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and depth.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – The star of the swirl!
- Sugar (¼ cup) – Sweetens the filling.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the mixture.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) – Adds a subtle hint of flavor.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Mash the bananas in a bowl and set them aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the greased 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.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Overripe Bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for Doneness – Every oven varies, so use the toothpick test.
- Make It Ahead – This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cuisine: American