This Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread is super moist and packed with banana goodness. With a creamy cheese swirl, it takes the classic loaf to a whole new level. Yum!
You can’t go wrong with the sweet smell of baking bananas wafting through your kitchen. I can’t help but sneak a slice (or two) while it cools! It’s too good to resist!
The best part? This recipe is easy peasy! Just mix, pour, and bake. Perfect with a cup of coffee for breakfast or a snack anytime. Enjoy sharing—or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your banana bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Bananas: Using ripe bananas is a must for natural sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Cream Cheese: This adds a delicious tang to the bread. If you want a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free choice, try using a vegan cream cheese made from almonds or coconut.
Sugars: I use both granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener as a substitute.
How Do I Create a Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
Swirling in the cream cheese mixture can be tricky, but it’s crucial for that beautiful marbled effect. Here’s how to do it:
- After pouring in the layers of batter and cream cheese, don’t worry about perfection. Just spoon dollops on top.
- Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl through the mixture. Go slowly to avoid mixing it too deeply.
- A swirling motion in a figure-eight pattern works well for an attractive design!
By taking your time, you’ll achieve a stunning swirl that adds both flavor and visual appeal to your banana bread!
Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for cream cheese mixture)
Time Needed:
This delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together using a mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully mixing each one before adding the next. Then, add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice (if you’re using it) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This adds a lovely tang to your bread!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then, dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Repeat by adding the remaining banana batter and topping it with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
8. Swirl It:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the banana batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t worry about being perfect—an imperfect swirl adds to the charm!
9. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (it’s okay if it has a few moist crumbs). If the top is browning too fast, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
10. Cool:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into delicious pieces.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and moist Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread! It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Happy baking!
FAQ for Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread as they are sweeter and more flavorful. Just make sure they’re mushy and have plenty of brown spots for the best taste!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cream cheese made from almond or cashew. The flavor might differ slightly, but it will still make a tasty bread!
How Should I Store the Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to This Banana Bread?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently before transferring the batter to the loaf pan!
