Introduction
Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread brings together the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and the luscious, creamy goodness of cream cheese. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it the ideal treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With just the right amount of moisture and a hint of vanilla, this banana bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or whisk to mix until everything is beautifully combined and creamy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and additional vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety and smooth.
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, ensuring even coverage for a delightful surprise in every slice.
- Top it off with the remaining banana bread batter, spreading it smoothly over the cream cheese layer.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that your banana bread is perfectly baked.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help set those delicious flavors!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor and texture, choose bananas that are just ripe enough with brown spots—they’re sweeter and easier to mash. You can also customize your cream cheese filling by adding a touch of lemon zest or incorporating your favorite spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, into the batter. Lastly, this banana bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or wrapped well and frozen for later enjoyment!
Cooking Techniques
Understanding the process of making banana bread is essential for achieving the perfect loaf. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to promote a smoother batter. Don’t hesitate to use a fork or a potato masher for mashing the bananas; you want them to be creamy without any lumps. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense bread. Finally, remember that over-baking can dry out your bread, so check for doneness a few minutes before the time is up.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How do I store leftover banana bread? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices.
Can I make this banana bread gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is not just a treat—it’s an experience! With its wonderfully moist texture and rich filling, it invites you to savor every bite. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your home. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice!