This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is soft, moist, and has a yummy swirl of cream cheese inside. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime! You won’t want to share!
Honestly, I can never resist a slice (or two). It’s like a hug in bread form! Add some nuts if you’re feeling fancy, but I love it just as it is. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose very ripe bananas. The more spots, the sweeter! You can also use frozen bananas; just let them thaw and drain excess moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect here, but you can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just melt it before mixing.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese gives a rich flavor, but you can use light cream cheese or even mascarpone for a different twist.
Sugar: While granulated sugar is classic, feel free to switch it for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
How Do I Create a Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
Swirling cream cheese into your banana bread adds a delightful creaminess. Here’s how to master it:
- Once your batter is layered, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl. Don’t overdo it; a few turns create a nice marble effect without mixing too much.
- Consider spooning a bit of the cream cheese mixture into the center of the batter too, adding more layers of creaminess throughout!
- Remember, the baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it; a toothpick should come out mostly clean but might have creamy bits!
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Banana Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for a bit after baking before slicing into that deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan—either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper to easily lift out the bread later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure everything is evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for now!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a good old fashioned whisk!
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Lastly, add those mashed bananas and combine until just mixed.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Remember, don’t overmix! Just mix until you see no more flour—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
8. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the banana layer. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover as much as you can without mixing it into the batter below.
9. Top It Off:
Now, pour the remaining banana bread batter on top, spreading it evenly to cover the cream cheese filling.
10. Swirl It Up:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the top layer of the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to mix too much!
11. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean (with just some cream cheese on it), it’s done!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
13. Enjoy!
Slice up that delicious Cream Cheese Banana Bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours. Drain any excess liquid before mashing, and your banana bread will still be just as delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, try using silken tofu blended until smooth. Just note that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature!
Can I Customize Add-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for a twist. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras may alter the texture slightly, so be sure not to overwhelm the batter!
