Introduction
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of flavors that takes classic banana bread to the next level. This recipe produces a light, moist, and delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you crave a sweet treat. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy layer, making each slice simply irresistible.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup sour cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Prepare to indulge in this wonderfully moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread that is so easy to make and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself, this recipe is a must-try for any banana bread lover.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cooking space by greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate 2 large eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, adding them one at a time. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
Combine Bananas and Sour Cream
Mix in 3 ripe bananas that have been mashed and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Stir until the banana-sour cream mixture is well combined with the batter.
Prepare Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps to maintain a nice texture in the bread.
Layer the Batter
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the banana batter. Then, spoon the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the cream cheese completely.
Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Storage Tips
To store the banana bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the bread for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the banana bread as is or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite nut butter for added flavor.
Recipe Yield
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings. Adjust the quantities if you need to serve a larger group.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the bread in to achieve even baking.
Measuring Ingredients
Use the correct measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to ensure accuracy for the best texture and taste.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy to incorporate air, giving the bread a light texture.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Mix the mashed bananas and sour cream well to ensure an even distribution of moisture throughout the batter.
Layering the Cream Cheese
Spread the cream cheese over the first layer of banana batter to create a marbled effect in the finished bread.
Testing for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean to confirm the bread is fully baked.
Cooling the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture.
How do I store leftover cream cheese banana bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe, with brown spots on the peel, for the best flavor and sweetness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to fold in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and creamy cheese. Its light and moist texture makes it an irresistible option for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The addition of cream cheese elevates the traditional banana bread, providing a deliciously creamy layer that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy this scrumptious loaf fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter – it’s sure to be a favorite among family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Banana Cream Cheese Bread
Add chocolate chips to your banana cream cheese bread for a decadent twist that satisfies sweet cravings.
Nuts and Seeds Variation
Incorporate walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor. Chia seeds or flaxseeds can also boost nutritional content.
Coconut Banana Bread
Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the banana and cream cheese.
Spiced Pumpkin Banana Bread
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal spin that’s perfect in the fall.
Lemon Zest Banana Bread
Incorporate lemon zest into the batter to brighten the flavors, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bananas.
Berry Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Layer in a swirl of raspberry or blueberry preserves between the banana batter and cream cheese for a fruity explosion.
Maple Pecan Banana Bread
Drizzle maple syrup into the batter and sprinkle in chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty flavor combination.
