Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist and delicious twist on traditional banana bread, featuring a smooth cream cheese and butter base that blends perfectly with ripe bananas and warm cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make loaf delivers soft texture and rich flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
Optional
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, providing a perfect base for the batter.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Beat in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly incorporated throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until no streaks of flour remain, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- This banana bread stays moist for several days when stored properly and is ideal for freezing.
- To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
