Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter? Look no further! The Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread is here to save the day. With its moist banana flavor and a creamy filling, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it combines two beloved ingredients: bananas and cream cheese. The result is a sweet, rich bread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Additionally, it is simple to make, requiring just a few common ingredients and a little bit of mixing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is a great addition to your baking repertoire.
How to Make Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Making the Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a loaf of banana bread that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
- For the cream cheese filling, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour half of the banana batter into the pan. Spread the cream cheese filling on top, then add the remaining banana batter.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover it with foil.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
This banana bread is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a spread of butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great option for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
How to Store Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
To store your leftover banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a perfect texture.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe! You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. For a chocolate twist, mix in some chocolate chips.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes! Just thaw the bananas before mashing and using them in the recipe.
Q: Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
A: You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter filling, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the measurements for best results.
With this Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe, you’ll enjoy a simple baking experience and a delicious outcome every time. Happy baking!
