Description
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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Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
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1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil
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¼ cup milk (any variety works)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for a cozy flavor twist)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American