There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling your kitchen. This Banana Cream Cheese Bread takes classic banana bread to the next level by adding a luscious cream cheese layer right in the middle. The result is a moist, tender loaf with a creamy surprise that makes every slice irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is special because it combines two beloved flavors: sweet banana bread and tangy cream cheese filling. The cream cheese layer creates a creamy, cheesecake-like texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, banana-flavored bread. It’s easy to make, requires basic ingredients, and looks stunning when sliced—making it perfect for special occasions or casual snacking.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining banana bread batter, smoothing the surface.
- Optional: Slice a banana lengthwise and lay it on top of the batter for a beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Bake
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the cream cheese layer set properly.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots provide the best flavor and sweetness.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread soft and tender.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for a decadent dessert.
- Holiday brunch: This loaf makes a beautiful addition to any holiday breakfast table.
Nutrition (Per Slice)
Approximate values for 12 slices:
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 18g
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cream Cheese Bread is more than just banana bread—it’s a delightful twist on a classic. The rich cream cheese center adds a layer of luxury that makes this loaf perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend breakfast or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Bake a loaf today and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet banana goodness and creamy cheesecake bliss in every bite!