Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

The Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread combines the comforting flavors of traditional banana bread with a luscious cream cheese filling that adds richness and moisture. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their banana bread game. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and flavor, while the cream cheese layer adds a delightful contrast in texture and taste. Whether you're making this for a special brunch, a family dessert, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, this banana bread is guaranteed to impress. Serve it slightly warm to fully appreciate the creamy center and moist crumb. It's a versatile recipe that can also be customized with your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, for an extra indulgent treat.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. This version features a rich, creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese baked right into the center, adding an extra level of decadence to every bite. The combination of moist banana bread and smooth cream cheese makes this a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this bread so special.

INGREDIENTS

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. Provides the structure for the banana bread, giving it a soft and tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Helps the bread rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened. Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup. Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large Eggs: 2. Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the bananas.
• Ripe Bananas: 4, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups). The key ingredient, giving the bread its signature flavor and moisture.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup. Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the bread tender.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened. Forms the creamy, rich filling that takes this banana bread to the next level.
• Additional Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
• Additional Large Egg: 1. Helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the filling.
• Additional Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the banana bread doesn’t stick during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Make the Banana Bread Batter

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Incorporate the Mashed Bananas and Sour Cream:

Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds a lovely moistness to the bread, while the bananas contribute to the flavor and texture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar:

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract:

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the filling is well combined and creamy. This creates a rich, smooth filling that will add a delightful layer to your banana bread.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Cream Cheese Banana Bread is best served slightly warm, allowing the cream cheese filling to be soft and the banana bread to be tender. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling keeps the bread moist, even after a few days.
• To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the bread and make the cream cheese filling even more luscious.
• For a special twist, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the banana bread batter. This adds a delightful crunch and complements the flavors beautifully.

Helpful Notes

• When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture, so mix just until the flour is incorporated.
• If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a warm oven (300°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skins turn black. Let them cool before using.
• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled banana bread.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten recommends using room temperature ingredients for the best results, especially when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Chef Mary Berry suggests adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the banana bread batter to enhance the flavor of the bananas.
• Chef Paul Hollywood advises checking the doneness of the bread by inserting a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.