Introduction
Cream cheese banana bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe, combining the rich and creamy texture of cream cheese with the sweet, moist goodness of ripe bananas. This scrumptious baked treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert. With its tender crumb and hint of tang from the cream cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Ripe bananas: 3 medium
– Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup
– Brown sugar: 1/2 cup
– Eggs: 2 large
– Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
– Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
– Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
– Chopped nuts (optional): 1/2 cup
Prep Time
The preparation time for this delicious cream cheese banana bread is approximately 15 minutes. During this time, you will mash the bananas, mix the cream cheese, and combine all your dry and wet ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for this recipe is around 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to achieve a beautiful golden color. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This recipe yields one loaf, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking the banana bread.
Prepare the Banana Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
Cream the Cheese and Sugar
In another bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Eggs
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Mix in the Banana
Stir the mashed bananas into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana and cream cheese mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the banana bread after baking.
Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the banana 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.
Notes
Ripe Bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap.
Variations
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon for added flavor and texture. Adjust sugar levels if desired according to your taste preference.
Cook techniques
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Properly mixing wet and dry ingredients is crucial for achieving the right texture in banana bread. Combine the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry in another before mixing them together to avoid overmixing.
Banana Preparation
Ensure that the bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. Mash them thoroughly so they blend well into the batter, creating a moist and flavorful loaf.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the batter. This helps in achieving a smoother texture and ensures it mixes evenly without lumps.
Baking Temperature
Preheat the oven to the correct temperature to allow the banana bread to rise evenly. A consistent temperature is key for achieving a perfectly baked loaf.
Baking Time Monitoring
Keep an eye on the baking time as it can vary. Use the toothpick test to check for doneness; the bread is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for the recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different flavor and texture.
How should I store the banana bread?
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins according to your preference for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the banana bread is done?
You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Conclusion
The Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic recipe that adds richness and flavor to your baking repertoire. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy cheese creates a moist and delicious loaf that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. With its irresistible texture and taste, this banana bread is bound to become a favorite in your home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat that combines the sweetness of bananas with rich chocolate.
Nutty Banana Bread
Incorporate walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor, which perfectly complements the softness of the banana bread.
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Swirl in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a delightful surprise in every slice, elevating your basic banana bread to a new level.
Pineapple Coconut Banana Bread
Mix in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut to bring a tropical flair to your banana bread, creating a unique flavor fusion.
Healthier Banana Bread
Substitute whole wheat flour and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier version that maintains great flavor.
Banana Bread French Toast
Turn leftover banana bread into an indulgent French toast by soaking slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fry until golden brown.
Blueberry Banana Bread
Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist, enhancing the flavor and adding bursts of juiciness in each bite.