There is something truly irresistible about the Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe that combines the comforting warmth of classic banana bread with a rich, creamy swirl of tangy cream cheese. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, boasting moist texture and a lovely balance of sweetness and depth. The secret lies in the cream cheese filling that adds a luscious twist, elevating the simple banana bread into something truly special. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade baked goods to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to a perfect Cream Cheese Banana Bread lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in the final loaf. From the melted butter that brings richness to the ripe bananas that add natural sweetness, every item is essential for achieving that tender crumb and delicious flavor.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup plus more for the pan): Adds moistness and a subtle richness that carries the flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the structure to hold this delicious bread together perfectly.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A crucial leavening agent that helps the bread rise for a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors to make everything pop just right.
- Sugar (1 cup plus 1/3 cup for cream cheese layer): Sweetens the bread while contributing to tenderness and browning.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tanginess and makes the banana bread incredibly moist and tender.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, inviting flavor that pairs wonderfully with bananas and cream cheese.
- Eggs (2 large for batter plus 1 large for cream cheese filling): Bind the ingredients and add richness to both layers.
- Ripe bananas (3, mashed): The star ingredient—ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a fruity depth.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): Creates the velvety cream cheese layer that makes this bread uniquely special.
- Flour (2 tablespoons for cream cheese layer): Helps stabilize the cream cheese filling for perfect swirl consistency.
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, spray a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the bread will slide out smoothly after baking, keeping the crust intact and beautiful.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This combination forms the foundation, distributing the leavening evenly and balancing flavor so that each bite is perfect.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Bananas
In another bowl, cream the sugar, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and luscious. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Gently fold the mashed bananas into this wet mix for the classic banana bread flavor that feels both comforting and fresh.
Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with one egg, sugar, and two tablespoons of flour until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what sets this recipe apart, adding a tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet banana bread.
Step 5: Assemble the Batter and Cream Cheese Swirl
Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is combined—don’t overmix or the bread might become dense. Pour half of this banana batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, then dollop the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter for that signature marbled look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the loaf pan onto the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—that way, it sets firmly and slices beautifully.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread doesn’t often need much more than its own cream cheese swirl, but if you want to dress it up a bit, a light dusting of powdered sugar or some toasted banana chips on top adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Fresh fruit slices on the side elevate it nicely for breakfast or brunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this banana bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of nut butter for an indulgent snack. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte complements the flavors wonderfully, making for a comforting and satisfying treat any time of the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick slabs and toast them lightly, then top with a drizzle of honey or a few slices of fresh strawberries for a fancy twist. You could also cut the loaf into cubes and use them as the base for a decadent bread pudding, highlighting the luscious cream cheese and banana flavors in a whole new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Cream Cheese Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration can extend freshness to about a week while maintaining its wonderful texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring the Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe back to its freshly baked glory, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until just heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. This quick step revives the soft crumb and enhances the cream cheese swirl’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to both sweetness and moistness, so cutting too much might affect texture. Using ripe bananas helps add natural sweetness, which can let you lower added sugar comfortably.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
Use a fork or potato masher to mash completely, leaving just a few small chunks for texture. Overly smooth bananas work well, but a little chunkiness adds a nice bite and more banana flavor throughout.
Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that maintains the tangy flavor and moist texture. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Is this banana bread gluten-free friendly?
Traditional recipes call for all-purpose flour, but you can swap in a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Choose one with xanthan gum included to help maintain the bread’s structure and texture.
How do I know when the Cream Cheese Banana Bread is fully baked?
The best indicator is a toothpick or skewer inserted near the loaf’s center—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The cream cheese swirl may stay a little creamy inside, which is perfect for that signature texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a banana bread recipe that feels both classic and special, the Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe is a must-try. Its moist, tender crumb paired with the rich cream cheese swirl will win over everyone’s hearts and taste buds. Baking this loaf is a wonderful way to fill your home with irresistible aromas and create lasting memories over shared slices. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of this recipe in your own kitchen!
Print
Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a rich cream cheese swirl that adds a delightful creaminess and subtle tang. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it combines ripe bananas with a smooth cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1/2 cup melted butter (plus more butter for pan)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan or spray it with non-stick spray, then set it aside.
- Mix dry ingredients for bread: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients for bread: In a separate large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas carefully without overmixing.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg, sugar, and flour, and mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Layer the batter and cream cheese: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining banana bread batter and lightly swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the cream cheese swirl) comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ripe bananas with brown spots yield the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner slices.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
