If you have a soft spot for cozy, sweet, and just a little bit tangy treats, this Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine the rich, creamy swirl of smooth cream cheese running through moist banana bread that’s bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas – a perfect balance that lifts traditional banana bread to an unforgettable delight. This recipe delivers on both comfort and flavor, making it ideal for breakfast, snack time, or even a casual dessert. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be impossible not to come back for another slice (or two).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the ripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture, to the creamy goodness of the softened cream cheese that adds a wonderful tang and richness – every item has a tasty purpose.
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are nice and spotted for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tang and keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Helps maintain a soft crumb and prevents dryness.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the natural banana sweetness with just the right amount of sugary goodness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the loaf structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its shape and bite.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to give the bread its soft rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for the luscious creamy swirl that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your loaf pan is key to ensuring your bread releases easily and keeps its perfect shape once baked. This simple prep sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until everything comes together with a smooth, uniform texture. The wet mixture should be fragrant and inviting, a promising foundation for your bread.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This blends the leavening and seasoning perfectly so they distribute evenly throughout the batter, ensuring each bite rises just right and tastes balanced.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—overmixing here could lead to a tougher bread, so keep it light and gentle for the best texture.
Step 5: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s ultra smooth and creamy. This step is essential for that luscious swirl effect that makes this bread extra special.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread Layers
Spread about half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining banana bread batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter to create beautiful marbled layers.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The wait is worth it when you see that perfect crust forming.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting period helps the loaf set so you get neat, clean slices every time.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can add a delicate touch of sweetness and visual appeal. For a more decadent presentation, consider drizzling with a little honey or a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Toasted nuts or a handful of fresh berries also make excellent garnishes, complementing the bread’s flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This banana bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For a more substantial snack, serve slices alongside Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not elevate your Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe by transforming slices into an indulgent dessert? Toast the bread and spread each slice with a thin layer of softened butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. The cream cheese swirl creates a perfect canvas for these delicious twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 2 to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigeration can keep it good for up to a week, but be mindful that refrigeration might slightly dry out the bread.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. Your Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe can be frozen for up to two months without losing its wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To warm up refrigerated or frozen slices, gently heat in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or until soft and cozy. For a crispier crust, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Reheating brings back the fresh-baked feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully as long as they are fully thawed and well drained before mashing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk to maintain the tang and moistness, but sour cream remains the best for that classic texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and substitute sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt. The texture will be delightfully close to the original!
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the tastiest results, look for bananas that are heavily speckled with brown spots or even fully brown. The sweeter and softer they are, the better the flavor and moisture in your bread.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add texture and flavor variation that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese swirl.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about baking this Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe, whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself. Its incredible moistness, the tangy cream cheese swirl, and that warm banana flavor create a treat that feels both classic and a little bit special. Give it a whirl, and I promise it will become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf that combines ripe bananas and creamy sour cream with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it features a tender crumb enriched with vanilla and a slight tang from the sour cream and cream cheese. Easy to make and wonderfully comforting, this banana bread is a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a mixer or by hand, beat the softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps.
- Assemble Layers: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the beaten cream cheese evenly over the batter layer. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, gently smoothing the top to cover.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easy beating and smooth layering.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Store leftover bread airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
