Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with banana flavor! A luscious cream cheese swirl makes this homemade banana bread extra special. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Banana Bread Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter, spreading carefully to cover the filling.
- Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect (optional).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the bread dense; stir just until combined.
Check for Doneness – A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Let it Cool – Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Customize It! – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a cinnamon sugar topping for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes