Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. This recipe combines the moistness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of cream cheese, making it a scrumptious treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread is sure to please everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

You might wonder why you should try this recipe. It’s simple! Cream Cheese Banana Bread offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Plus, it is an excellent way to use up overripe bananas. Making this bread is fun and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it a perfect baking project for everyone.

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Making Cream Cheese Banana Bread is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps and enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes!

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

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spread the cream cheese filling over the top, then pour the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread

You can serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. Slice it up and enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra treat. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great breakfast or afternoon snack.

How to Store Cream Cheese Banana Bread

To keep your Cream Cheese Banana Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy serving later!

Tips to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. The more spots they have, the sweeter they’ll be!
Don’t skip the cream cheese step; it brings a delightful tang to the bread.
Check your bread towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Variation

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans work great, as do dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them and mash them well before adding them to the batter.

2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt. It will work just as well!

3. How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s ready to come out of the oven.