Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a rich, creamy layer of smooth cream cheese that perfectly complements the sweet, ripe bananas. It’s an easy-to-make loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Batter
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt in the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the smooth cream cheese layer evenly over this batter. Then gently spoon the remaining banana batter on top, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean without batter clinging to it.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and preserve the texture.
Notes
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Use a toothpick test to check for doneness; residual moisture means it needs more baking time.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- This bread can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
