A breakfast delight you can’t resist!
Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and adding a luscious cream cheese filling elevates this humble loaf to something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet treat, this Cream Cheese Banana Bread is sure to become a family favorite. Follow this simple recipe to create your own delicious loaf at home.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 to 3 very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup (76g) melted butter, unsalted or salted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar (adjust to 1/2 cup for less sweetness or 1 cup for more)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
Method
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8-inch loaf pan.
- Make the Banana Bread Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, then mix in the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Add half of the cream cheese filling in dollops over the batter. Pour the remaining banana bread batter on top, then add the remaining cream cheese filling in dollops.
- Using a butter knife, swirl the cream cheese filling into the banana bread batter by running the knife through the batter vertically and horizontally.
- Bake:
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly before the middle is fully baked, tent the top with foil.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Cream Cheese Banana Bread on its own, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat. This loaf also makes a wonderful gift for friends or family.