This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional banana bread you know and love. It combines the familiar comfort of moist banana bread with a rich, creamy layer of cream cheese, making each slice an indulgent treat. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this bread is bound to become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Moist and Tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas, sour cream, and cream cheese, this banana bread has a soft, tender crumb that stays moist for days.
Rich Flavor: The addition of cinnamon and cream cheese adds a layer of depth and richness that elevates this bread from ordinary to extraordinary.
Versatile Treat: Perfect as a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as a simple dessert.
Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
Let’s dive into the recipe to make this delicious bread!
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
Ingredient Tips
Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas are softer, making them easier to mash and more flavorful in the bread.
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly, creating a creamy layer without lumps.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds extra moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas and sugar. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if you prefer.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that enhances the banana flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the Loaf Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Dry Ingredient Mixture
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Mix in the Bananas and Sour Cream
- Incorporate the Bananas and Sour Cream: Add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a separate small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will create a delicious layer in the bread that adds a rich, tangy contrast to the banana flavor.
6. Assemble the Bread
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Gently spread the beaten cream cheese over the banana batter layer. Try to spread it evenly to ensure a nice, creamy layer throughout the bread.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly to cover.
7. Bake the Bread
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
Serve Warm: Enjoy a slice warm from the oven with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
Make it a Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
Freeze: You can also freeze the banana bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before serving.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Banana Bread: Fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
Blueberry Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity variation.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Final Note
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe is simple to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with flavor. The surprise cream cheese layer adds a delightful twist that takes this classic banana bread to new heights. It’s perfect for any time of day and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice! 🍌💛
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese over the batter, then top with the remaining banana batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!