Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious twist on the classic banana bread recipe. It brings together the rich, creamy flavor of cream cheese with the sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. With its moist texture and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why Make This Recipe

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is not only tasty but also easy to make. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. The addition of cream cheese adds a lovely richness that elevates the traditional banana bread. Whether you’re looking to use up overripe bananas or just want a cozy treat, this recipe is a perfect choice.

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Making Cream Cheese Banana Bread is straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, fragrant loaf ready to enjoy.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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 until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling over the top, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is best served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or you can add a little butter or a drizzle of honey on top. It makes a great snack or a sweet addition to your breakfast table.

How to Store Cream Cheese Banana Bread

To store your Cream Cheese Banana Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Make sure your bananas are ripe. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined will keep your banana bread moist.
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Variation

You can customize your Cream Cheese Banana Bread by adding ingredients like walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips. For a fun twist, try adding a touch of peanut butter to the cream cheese filling!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first and mash them before adding to the batter.

2. How do I know when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.

3. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Just pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

5. How long does it take to bake this bread?
This banana bread usually takes between 60-70 minutes to bake, depending on your oven.