There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s the ultimate way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. But what if you could elevate your banana bread to a whole new level of indulgence? Enter the Cream Cheese Banana Bread—a velvety, moist loaf with a luscious cream cheese layer that adds a tangy richness to every bite.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend baking project, a thoughtful gift, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
Before you dive in, gather these pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:
• Dry Ingredients: Flour, baking soda, salt, and a touch of cinnamon for subtle warmth.
• Wet Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract for that classic banana bread flavor.
• The Star: Softened cream cheese, which creates a dreamy layer in the middle of the loaf.
Instructions: Baking Made Easy
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and slides out effortlessly after cooling.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures your bread rises evenly and has a well-balanced flavor.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect foundation for a moist and tender loaf.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness. Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream, which add moisture and a slight tang.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. This will become the creamy surprise tucked inside your banana bread.
6. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana batter into your prepared loaf pan. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining banana batter. The layering ensures every slice has that signature swirl of cream cheese.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly domed.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps lock in the moisture and ensures the loaf doesn’t fall apart.
Pro Tips for Success
• Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious hybrid of dessert and breakfast. The tangy cream cheese layer contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of the bananas, making it feel extra special without being overly complicated. Plus, the sour cream ensures a soft and tender crumb that stays moist for days (if it lasts that long!).
Whether you’re baking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Slice it up, serve with a pat of butter, or enjoy it as is—the choice is yours. Happy baking!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your baking adventures in the comments below!
Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 22 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 310 kcal
- 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 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Pour half of the banana batter into the greased loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining banana batter.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.