This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a sweet and moist treat that combines ripe bananas with a rich cream cheese filling. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist that creamy goodness tucked inside a soft loaf? I often find myself sneaking slices when no one is watching—guilty as charged! 😄
I love making this bread because it’s so simple. Just mix, pour, and bake! Plus, it fills the house with the best smell—you won’t want to wait for it to cool!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are crucial for sweetness and moisture. If you have overripe bananas (with brown spots), they are perfect! No bananas? You can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute—about 1/2 cup for each banana.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you prefer, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s melted but not too hot when adding to the mix!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
Cream Cheese: The core of the cream cheese filling! If you want a lighter option, you could use low-fat cream cheese or even mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure the Cream Cheese Layer Stays Smooth?
Mixing your cream cheese filling correctly is key. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this helps avoid lumps. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy before adding the sugar and egg.
- Use an electric mixer for a fluffier texture.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl often to incorporate everything evenly.
- Don’t overmix once all ingredients are combined—just until smooth is enough.
These tips will help you achieve that delightful cream cheese layer in your banana bread, making every slice a treat!
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 60-70 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 10 minutes to cool in the pan and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Total time: around 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bread later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure everything is combined evenly. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it looks light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer.
4. Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to combine everything thoroughly.
5. Mix in the Bananas and Liquids:
Stir in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until everything is nicely blended together. The bananas will add moisture and sweetness.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes the bread even more delicious!
8. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. Gently spread the cream cheese filling over this layer, being careful to leave a small border around the edges to prevent it from spilling out when baking.
9. Top with Remaining Batter:
Pour the rest of the banana bread batter on top of the cream cheese filling and smooth the surface with a spatula.
10. Create a Swirl:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the banana bread batter. This creates a marbled effect, which looks especially pretty when sliced!
11. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious, moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread! Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea! 🍌🍞
FAQ for Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are ideal for banana bread as they are sweeter and easier to mash. The more spots, the better!
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of milk (or plain yogurt) and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar acidity and texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently before layering it in the pan.
