Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for banana bread lovers who want something a little extra. The tangy cream cheese layer adds a luscious contrast to the sweet banana base. It’s incredibly moist, easy to prepare, and perfect for using up overripe bananas. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing something special to a gathering, this banana bread is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Make Cream Cheese Filling
   In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Bread
   Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, then pour the remaining batter on top of the cream cheese layer.

6. Bake
   Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Serve
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for best results.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the banana batter for added crunch.

• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the top batter.

• Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

• Muffins: Turn the recipe into cream cheese banana muffins by using a muffin tin and baking for 18–22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a slice for about 15–20 seconds or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes this banana bread moist?

The combination of mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, and oil helps keep the banana bread moist and tender.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and works just as well in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese layer?

Absolutely. Simply skip the cream cheese filling and bake the banana bread as usual.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.

Can I freeze cream cheese banana bread?

Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it may make the bread denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for better texture.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil.

Can I add fruit to the batter?

Yes, chopped strawberries or blueberries can be folded into the banana batter for added flavor.

Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?

This could be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to bake it fully and mix just until combined.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious twist on the traditional banana bread that’s sure to impress. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this loaf is a comforting favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

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This Cream Cheese Banana Bread combines moist banana bread with a rich cream cheese filling for a sweet, tangy twist on a classic treat.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)
• 1 large egg (for cream cheese filling)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for cream cheese filling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1 tbsp flour until smooth to make the cream cheese filling.
6. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter layer.
8. Top with the remaining banana bread batter and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Let the bread come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg