Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, featuring a rich, cheesecake-like layer of cream cheese nestled within moist, flavorful banana bread. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of cream cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

1 large egg
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup coconut oil (can substitute with canola or vegetable oil)
¼ cup sour cream (lite is okay; Greek yogurt may be substituted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1 large egg
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened (lite is okay)
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or spray with floured cooking spray; set aside.
Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, coconut oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas and stir to incorporate.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Fold the mixture gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour approximately two-thirds of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula and ensuring it reaches the corners and sides. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the egg, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Evenly pour the cream cheese filling over the banana bread batter in the loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula.
Top with the remaining banana bread batter, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula to avoid disturbing the cream cheese layer, and ensuring the batter reaches the corners and sides.
Bake for 48 to 50 minutes, or until the top is domed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (note that the cream cheese layer may make this test less accurate).
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: Approximately 260 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g

The Charm of Banana Bread

Banana bread is beloved for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of tossing them out, you can turn them into something delicious and comforting. The natural sweetness of the bananas adds moisture and flavor to the bread, while the mashed bananas make the bread dense and tender. Whether you bake it for breakfast, lunch, or dessert, banana bread has a satisfying and homey appeal that never goes out of style.

The beauty of banana bread is its versatility. While the basic recipe consists of flour, sugar, eggs, and bananas, it can easily be modified to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Some people like to add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Others prefer a more minimalist approach, focusing on the pure taste of ripe bananas. Regardless of how you make it, banana bread is always a crowd-pleaser and a comforting baked good that brings a sense of nostalgia to anyone who enjoys it.

Why Add Cream Cheese to Banana Bread?

While classic banana bread is already delicious on its own, the addition of a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer elevates this recipe to something extraordinary. The cream cheese filling not only adds a rich, velvety texture to the bread but also complements the sweetness of the bananas with its tangy flavor. The result is a beautifully layered bread that combines the best of both worlds—the moistness of banana bread and the indulgence of cheesecake.

Adding cream cheese to banana bread creates a contrast in texture that is both appealing and satisfying. The cream cheese layer is soft and smooth, while the banana bread itself is dense and tender. As you slice into the bread, the cream cheese layer offers a surprise element, making each bite even more enjoyable. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, making it ideal for those who love both banana bread and cheesecake.

The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Treat

Banana bread is already a popular breakfast or brunch option, but when you add a cream cheese filling, it becomes even more special. The creamy filling makes it feel like a dessert, yet the banana bread base keeps it grounded in the realm of breakfast fare. This makes it the perfect choice for a brunch gathering, where you want to offer something indulgent yet still appropriate for the occasion.

Ideal for Potlucks and Gatherings

When you’re attending a potluck or family gathering, you often want to bring something that stands out and impresses the crowd. Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is the perfect solution. Its stunning presentation—especially when sliced to reveal the cream cheese filling—immediately catches the eye and invites curiosity. But it’s not just about looks; this bread is a flavor powerhouse that will leave people talking long after the last bite is taken.

A Sweet Dessert with a Creamy Twist

While banana bread is often considered a breakfast or snack item, it also makes for an excellent dessert. The addition of cream cheese filling transforms this bread into a dessert that rivals traditional cakes and pies. The cream cheese adds a richness that balances the sweetness of the banana bread, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether you serve it at the end of a meal or as a mid-afternoon treat, this bread is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Perfect for All Ages

One of the great things about banana bread is that it’s a universal favorite. Whether you’re baking for children, adults, or a group of mixed ages, banana bread is a recipe that everyone can enjoy. The sweetness of the bananas and the smooth cream cheese filling are flavors that appeal to all palates, making this bread a hit for family gatherings, birthday parties, or any celebration.

Making the Most of Leftovers

While it’s unlikely that there will be leftovers after serving this delightful bread, if you do happen to have any leftover slices, they can be enjoyed the next day or even the day after. The bread keeps well at room temperature for a couple of days, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits. You can also store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is a perfect marriage of two beloved treats—banana bread and cheesecake. With its rich, moist texture, creamy filling, and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s a dessert that appeals to everyone. Whether you serve it at a brunch gathering, a potluck, or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this banana bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Its ease of preparation and irresistible flavor make it the perfect choice for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s destined to be a crowd favorite.

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