Cream Cheese Banana Bread

If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering twist on the classic banana bread recipe, then this Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe might just hit the mark! This delightful quick bread features that banana flavor you love with a smooth ribbon of cream cheese filling. This sweet banana bread is sure to become your new favorite banana bread recipe!

Banana bread is one of my favorite things to bake. It seems like I always have a hard time using my bananas before they are too ripe, but that makes them perfect for this recipe! I love to heat up a slice with a pat of butter for a quick breakfast, or it makes a wonderful afternoon snack to tide you over to dinner!

Quick Breads

Basically, a quick bread is any kind of bread recipe that is made without yeast. These bread recipes use other leavening agents for rising, such as baking powder or baking soda.

These breads are also easier to make, usually involving a batter instead of a shaped dough. The texture is more like muffins, and they are often full of sweet ingredients, like my Blueberry Lemon Bread or this Chocolate Strawberry Bread.

If you prefer savory quick breads, you might like this Italian Herb and Cheese Bread or this English Muffin Bread.

Ingredients for Banana Bread with Cream Cheese

Gather these simple ingredients to make the best banana bread:

• Bananas- you need 2 large bananas (or as close as you can get).
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda and Baking powder: these leavening agents help the bread rise.
• Kosher salt
• Spices: cinnamon and nutmeg add a depth of warm flavor.
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: this helps your bread stay moist.
• Granulated white sugar
• Pure vanilla extract

Here’s what you need to make the cream cheese filling:

• Cream cheese
• One egg
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Pure Vanilla extract

Please see the recipe card below for the amounts and directions for baking!

How to make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

This banana cream cheese bread is easy to make, even with the extra step of the cream cheese layer! Here’s how to make it:

1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the cream cheese filling in a large mixing bowl. Beat room-temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is smooth. Then add the large egg, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract and mix until completely smooth and combined. Set it aside for now.
3. Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, mash the overripe bananas.
5. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add the melted butter, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, then add the mashed banana and mix again.
6. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix, as that can toughen the texture of your bread.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour 2/3 of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly into the corners of the pan. Place dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter and spread it out evenly. Finally, pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer and spread to cover.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is firm and springs back when gently pressed. If the banana bread browns too much before it is fully cooked, gently place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the bread for the remaining bake time.
3. Cool the banana bread in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. It’s much easier to slice when cooled, and even better if sliced the next day though it’s so hard to wait!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or nonfat cream cheese in this recipe?

I recommend using full-fat dairy when at all possible for the best results in your baking. However, you could use low-fat cream cheese. I do not recommend using nonfat cream cheese.

How can I soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to let your cream cheese soften on the counter (I am so guilty of this!), then you can unwrap it, place it on a small plate, and microwave in 10-second intervals until it is the temperature you need. Be careful not to melt it!

A “safer” way is to submerge your sealed cream cheese in warm water and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes or so.

My bananas aren’t very ripe. Can I use them anyway?

Ripe bananas are the softest, are sweeter, and have a stronger flavor. You can use unripe bananas, but your finished bread won’t taste the same.

Instead, I recommend BAKING your bananas. That’s right! Pop them in a 300-degree oven with skins on for 30-40 minutes, until the skins are completely darkened. They will be perfect for banana bread!

If you have an air fryer, you can do the same thing in only about 8-9 minutes!

Can I double this Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe?

Yes, this recipe makes one loaf, but you can double it and make two: one to eat, and one for a friend! (Or, freeze one to enjoy later!)

How do I store Banana Bread with Cream Cheese to keep it fresh?

Make sure to cool bread completely (about 1-2 hours) before storing it to avoid any condensation. If you’re planning on eating it right away, you can store it at room temperature. Place a paper towel in the bottom of an airtight container, then put the banana bread loaf on top. Add another paper towel, then replace the lid.

You can also use a storage bag with paper towels. They help absorb excess moisture to avoid early molding. Stored this way, your cream cheese banana bread will last for 3-4 days.

Can I store Banana Bread in the fridge?

If you like your banana bread nice and cold, you can store it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Can you freeze Cream Cheese Banana Bread?

Yes, this banana bread with cream cheese recipe freezes very well! Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store the wrapped loaf in the freezer for up to three months.

To thaw, leave the wrapped bread on the counter for several hours. You can also warm it up by placing the wrapped loaf in a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes.

Banana Bread Variations

If you enjoyed this Cream Cheese Banana Bread, you might like these other twists on the classic sweet bread recipe:

• Chai Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread with warming chai spices and a sweet vanilla chai glaze.
• This delicious Strawberry Banana Bread is quick and easy to make, featuring juicy strawberries folded through the batter.
• Quinoa Banana Bread – A classic loaf of banana bread is made even better with the addition of quinoa. This surprising ingredient makes the bread more moist while adding a hearty dose of protein!
• Double Chocolate Banana Bread –Eat your bananas and enjoy a double chocolate fix at the same time.
• Better than your regular banana bread, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread has all the flavors you loved as a kid. I love to make it with mini chocolate chips!

Which banana bread recipe has your mouth watering? Let us know in the comments!

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