Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas with the creamy texture of cream cheese. This loaf is moist, tender, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 to 3 large eggs
1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 5 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Add Bananas and Sour Cream: Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until everything is well combined.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese over this layer, then top with the remaining banana batter.
Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Variations

Nut Additions: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Spices: Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for additional warmth.
Fruit Swaps: Substitute some of the bananas with applesauce for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350F (175C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.
Can I bake this in a mini loaf pan?
Yes, adjust the baking time to about 30-40 minutes for mini loaves.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds richness, but you can omit it for a simpler banana bread.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, feel free to mix in berries or chopped apples.
How do I know when the bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can use a round cake pan, but adjust the baking time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a scrumptious and versatile treat that everyone will love. Its moist texture and sweet banana flavor, enhanced by cream cheese, make it a perfect addition to any meal or a delightful snack on its own. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.