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Cream Cheese Banana Bread: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

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Moist banana bread with a creamy cream cheese swirl, elevating a classic to delicious new heights!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat again until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
  2. Make the Banana Bread Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
  4. Add the softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  8. If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
  9. Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese mixture. Spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top.
  10. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese mixture into the banana bread batter.
  11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15-20 minutes.
  12. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough banana bread.
  • Softened butter and cream cheese will incorporate more easily into the batter.
  • Adjust baking time as needed, as every oven is different.
  • Let the banana bread cool completely before slicing.
  • Add-in options: chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Variations: Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Banana Bread, Nutella Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread, Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Banana Bread, Cinnamon Streusel Cream Cheese Banana Bread.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/cream-cheese-banana-bread/