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Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

Imagine that first bite of warm banana bread. The smooth, soft texture with sweet notes of ripe banana brings back memories of cozy afternoons in the kitchen. Now, let’s add cream cheese to that classic combination. Poof! You’ve got a decadent dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.
Before we dive into the mouthwatering details of cream cheese banana bread, let’s consider what to pair it with. A warm slice of this delightful treat can be complemented easily. Think about a side of fresh fruit. Perhaps some berries? They add vibrancy and a refreshing contrast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 218
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2to3 very ripe bananas
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar1/3 cup melted unsalted or salted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 Optional: teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces 8 cream cheese1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 Optional: teaspoon lemon zest

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas. Aim for a coarse consistency—some small chunks are okay. Next, add in the melted butter and sugar, stirring well to combine. Then, you’ll want to mix in the egg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, ensuring everything is blended nicely. Finally, sift in the flour and baking soda, folding these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this part. Don’t overmix!
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg, sugar, flour, and any optional lemon zest. Blend until fully combined; it should be creamy and luscious.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
  1. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan, and pour half of your banana bread batter into it. Next, carefully spread the cream cheese filling over the first layer. Then, top it with the remaining banana batter. Don’t worry about perfection; it adds character.
Step 5: Bake It Up
  1. Place your loaf in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes. Every oven is unique, so keep an eye on it. You want a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
  1. Once your bread is baked to perfection, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up, and you’re ready for some deliciousness!

Notes

Here are some tips to elevate your cream cheese banana bread game:
Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Blackened skins? Perfect.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing your batter, gently fold the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
Experiment with Mix-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your loaf. Everyone loves a little surprise!
Check for Doneness: Always do the toothpick test. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your bake-time.
Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely enhances flavors and allows for easier slicing.