This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is moist and delicious, with a rich cream cheese swirl that adds a yummy surprise in every slice. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with the wonderful smell of bananas. I love to spread a little butter on warm slices—so cozy! You’ll want to keep this recipe handy! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your banana bread, giving it structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in baking.
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can quickly ripen them by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day.
Cream cheese: This adds a nice tang and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but if you’re out, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil. Just note that the flavor will change slightly!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is traditional, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar properly is crucial for a light and fluffy bread. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with softened butter—microwave briefly if needed, but don’t melt it.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- This process incorporates air into the mix, helping your bread rise and be soft.
Give it a good mix, and keep an eye on the texture. If it feels grainy, keep mixing until it’s smooth!
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (approximately 2-3 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will need to bake for 60-70 minutes. After that, let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan helps ensure your bread comes out easily, so grab that and get it ready!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will help distribute the baking soda evenly, ensuring your bread rises nicely.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and it makes your bread nice and tender!
4. Add the Eggs and Bananas:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. After that, stir in the mashed bananas and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Your mixture will start smelling heavenly!
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—making sure not to overmix will keep your bread moist.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Stir in ⅓ cup of sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over this batter, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
8. Final Layer and Swirl:
Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to spread it gently. Finally, use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture slightly into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
9. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking!
10. Cool Before Slicing:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help it slice beautifully!
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Banana Bread fresh, or toasted with a bit of butter for an extra special treat! 🍞💛
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, making it denser. You may also consider using a mix of both for a lighter texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week for better freshness!
Can I Freeze Cream Cheese Banana Bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese in the Filling?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free substitute, you can use Greek yogurt, silken tofu blended until smooth, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Each will give a slightly different taste, but they work well in the recipe!
