Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Introduction

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a rich and indulgent twist on classic banana bread. By adding a luscious cream cheese filling or swirl, this quick bread becomes extra moist, tender, and flavorful. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas complements the creamy, slightly tangy layer of cream cheese, creating a dessert-like bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

This bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing, thanks to the creamy swirl running through each slice. The combination of banana flavor and cream cheese texture makes it irresistible and a favorite for banana bread lovers.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with a creamy, decadent filling. The cream cheese adds a silky texture and tangy contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness of the bananas. Every bite is moist, flavorful, and satisfying—making it hard to stop at just one slice!

It’s also versatile: you can make it as a loaf, muffins, or even a layered dessert bread. The aroma of bananas and cream cheese baking fills the kitchen, making it a cozy treat any time of day.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This bread is a must-try because:

• It’s extra moist and flavorful with a cream cheese swirl or layer.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert.
• Quick and easy to make, ideal for using overripe bananas.
• The cream cheese adds a rich, indulgent texture without being overly sweet.
• Visually appealing and perfect for serving to guests or gifting.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 70–80 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~300 kcal per slice
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for extra flavor

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
   • In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
   • Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon.
   • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
   • In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bread
   • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
   • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the banana batter.
   • Top with the remaining banana bread batter and smooth the surface.
   • Optional: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the top layer for a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Bread
   • Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (some cream cheese may cling but that’s fine).
   • If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
6. Cool and Slice
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve slices warm or at room temperature.
• Great with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.
• Perfect alongside coffee, tea, or milk for breakfast or snack time.
• Ideal for gifting or brunch spreads.

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can make the bread dense.
• Swirl the cream cheese lightly for a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
• Check doneness with a toothpick at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries to the batter for extra flavor.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Banana Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the banana batter.
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese, flax eggs, and coconut oil.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl in addition to cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Mini Loaves or Muffins: Bake in muffin tins for portable individual servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk for cream cheese filling
• Spatula for folding batter
• Toothpick for testing doneness
• Wire rack for cooling

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and indulgent variation of classic banana bread. The cream cheese swirl adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, making it irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to prepare, visually appealing, and endlessly customizable, this bread is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, comforting, and delicious homemade baked goods.

Print Recipe

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast, Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 65 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Calories: 300 kcal per slice

Description

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a rich and indulgent twist on classic banana bread. By adding a luscious cream cheese filling or swirl, this quick bread becomes extra moist, tender, and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Banana Bread

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ Optional: teaspoon cinnamon for extra flavor

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225 g)
• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the banana batter. Top with the remaining banana bread batter and smooth the surface.
5. Optional: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the top layer for a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Bread: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (some cream cheese may cling but that’s fine). If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Banana Bread