Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. This recipe adds rich, creamy cream cheese to make the bread soft and moist. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The combination of ripe bananas and cream cheese creates a wonderful flavor that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a great way to use up ripe bananas. Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into a delicious treat. The cream cheese gives the bread a creamy texture, while the bananas add natural sweetness. This recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends with a homemade loaf of bread.
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread
You can serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but you can also spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect snack or breakfast option.
How to Store Cream Cheese Banana Bread
To store your Cream Cheese Banana Bread, let it cool completely. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it first for easy thawing!
Tips to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to mix easily with the butter and sugars.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this will make your bread tough.
- Experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Variation
You can try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter treat. If you love spices, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the bread a warm flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes! Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of sugar.
Q: Why is my banana bread dense?
A: Having too much flour or overmixing the batter can make it dense. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and mix gently.
