Banana bread has long been a favorite in many kitchens, loved for its moist texture and comforting flavor.
But what if you could take this classic treat and elevate it to something even more indulgent? Enter the banana bread recipe with cream cheese filling.
This recipe adds a rich, tangy layer of cream cheese that blends seamlessly with the sweet, fruity banana bread.
The combination of flavors in this recipe is nothing short of delicious. Imagine the sweet, banana-infused bread, with its soft, slightly dense texture.
Then, contrast that with a luscious, velvety cream cheese filling that brings a subtle tanginess. The result?
A perfect balance of flavors and textures that make each bite creamy, moist, and utterly satisfying.
Every slice gives you that familiar comfort of banana bread with an added indulgence, making it hard to stop at just one piece. Ready to start baking?
Details Of Banana Bread Recipe With Cream Cheese Filling
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 70-80 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Yields: 12 slices
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Basic Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 6-8 medium bananas)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar (275 g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160 g); Greek yogurt may be substituted
- 1 ¼ cups butter (290 g), softened
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Make the Banana Bread Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix in the Bananas:
Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Assemble the Loaf:
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining banana batter.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
9. Cool:
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve:
Slice and enjoy your delicious banana bread with cream cheese filling!
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful serving suggestion, try toasting a slice of banana bread and spreading a layer of softened cream cheese on top for added richness.
You can also sprinkle a few chopped nuts or drizzle some honey for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk to create the perfect snack or breakfast experience.
Enjoying it with fresh fruit on the side adds a nice balance and makes for a beautifully plated treat!
Best Delicious Variations
1. Chocolate Chip Delight
Add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the banana bread batter for a decadent twist. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet bananas and creamy filling, creating a rich dessert that chocolate lovers will adore.
2. Nutty Banana Bread
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the banana bread batter for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness complements the sweetness of the bananas and the cream cheese filling, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
3. Cinnamon Swirl
Mix a tablespoon of cinnamon into the cream cheese filling, and swirl it into the batter before baking. This variation adds a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor and gives your banana bread a cozy, aromatic touch that’s perfect for any occasion.
Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Bread
1. Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are well-ripened, with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, or be sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag, which can lead to packing and inaccurate amounts.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense and tough. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
4. Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
5. Let It Cool Properly: Allow your banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and texture. Let it cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and enhanced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in place of regular sugar. Just be sure to follow the conversion recommendations on the packaging.
What if my banana bread is too dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense banana bread. Try stirring the ingredients until just combined to avoid this issue.
Can I make the cream cheese filling lighter?
You can lighten the filling by using low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, though it may affect the texture slightly.
How do I keep my banana bread moist?
To keep your banana bread moist, ensure you use ripe bananas and store the bread properly, either tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.
Can I add fruits or berries to this recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced strawberries can be folded into the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Banana bread with cream cheese filling is the perfect twist on a beloved classic. The sweet, banana-rich flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy filling, creating a treat that’s not only comforting but also indulgent.
Its rich texture and harmonious blend of flavors make it an irresistible choice for any occasion. If you’re looking to upgrade your regular banana bread, this cream cheese-filled version will certainly do the trick. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Recipe With Cream Cheese Filling
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas about 6-8 medium bananas
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 312 g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar 275 g
- ½ cup granulated sugar 100 g
- ⅔ cup sour cream 160 g; Greek yogurt may be substituted
- 1 ¼ cups butter 290 g, softened
- 1 pinch salt
- 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Make the Banana Bread Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the Bananas:
- Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining banana batter.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Cool:
- Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious banana bread with cream cheese filling!