Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Banana Bread Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well incorporated.
4. Assemble the Banana Bread
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining banana batter on top, gently spreading it to cover the cream cheese.
5. Swirl for a Marbled Effect
- Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter and cream cheese filling together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it; you want to keep some distinct layers.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet).
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even those that are fully brown.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy blending. This will prevent lumps in the filling.
- Add-Ins: Consider mixing in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the banana batter for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a spread of butter. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe elevates the classic banana bread to new heights with its creamy filling and delightful flavor. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or sliced and toasted the next day, this banana bread is a delicious way to celebrate the humble banana. Share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself—you won’t be able to resist the rich, moist slices of this delightful treat!
