Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is the perfect combination of rich, moist banana bread and a creamy, tangy swirl of sweet cream cheese. This bakery-style loaf is soft, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Style at Home – It looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Incredibly Moist – Thanks to ripe bananas, cream cheese, and a splash of oil.
Perfect for Any Time of Day – Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Freezer-Friendly – Make an extra loaf and freeze for later.
Great Way to Use Bananas – Don’t toss those ripe bananas—turn them into something delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Banana Bread:

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk (any variety works)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for a cozy flavor twist)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (for doneness check)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Whisk in eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, use a hand mixer to beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture on top and smooth it out.
Pour the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer and carefully spread it to cover.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes.
Start checking around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This helps set the cream cheese filling and prevents soggy slices.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Black-spotted bananas are full of natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until everything is combined to keep the bread tender.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Makes it easier to blend and results in a smooth, creamy filling.
Cool Before Slicing – Patience is key! Slicing while hot can make the cream cheese gooey and messy.
Customize It – Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist.

Serving Suggestions
Warm Slice with Butter – Classic and comforting.
Drizzle with Honey – Adds a sweet touch to the tangy cream cheese.
Pair with Coffee or Tea – Makes a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Add Fresh Fruit – A side of strawberries or blueberries is refreshing and delicious.
Top with Whipped Cream – Turn it into a light dessert.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate – Store for up to 5 days in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

Reheating:
Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.
Toaster Oven – Rewarm gently for a slightly crisp exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
   Yes, but the texture will be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
2. Can I skip the cream cheese filling?
   Absolutely. It will still be delicious as a classic banana bread.
3. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
   Yes! Fold ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free milk and a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
5. Why did my cream cheese sink to the bottom?
   Make sure your banana batter isn’t too thin, and gently layer it over the filling to keep it from sinking.

Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Moist banana bread with a sweet cream cheese center is the kind of comfort food that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping for brunch, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it once and it’ll become a regular in your baking rotation. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 250mg

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