Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

Introduction

Banana bread is a beloved classic, but have you ever tried it with a twist? This Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling brings together the moist, comforting texture of traditional banana bread with a rich, creamy surprise inside.

The cream cheese filling adds a perfect contrast to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a delightful combination that will elevate your banana bread to a whole new level.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With the familiar flavor of banana bread, you won’t have to worry about complex techniques or ingredients.

The cheesecake filling is easy to prepare and turns the bread into something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread will be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)

For the Banana Bread:

3 ripe bananas, mashed

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt

¼ cup (60ml) milk

1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined.

Set the cream cheese filling aside while you prepare the banana bread batter.

Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ to 2 cups of mashed banana.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Add the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and milk. Stir until just combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Banana Bread

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth it into an even layer.

Spoon the cream cheese filling over the banana batter, spreading it evenly across the center of the loaf. Be sure not to touch the edges of the pan with the cream cheese filling, as this will prevent it from baking properly.

Spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely.

Gently smooth the top of the loaf.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Start checking the bread around the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached when the banana bread is fully cooked.

If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully done.

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas will give your bread the sweetest and richest flavor. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two.

Cream Cheese Filling: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before using it, as this will help create a smooth filling. You can microwave the cream cheese for about 20-30 seconds to soften it quickly.

Moisture: If you find that your banana bread batter is a bit thick, you can add a bit more milk (a tablespoon at a time) to get the right consistency. It should be pourable, but not too runny.

Toppings: For added texture and flavor, top the banana bread with a few banana slices before baking. They will caramelize and add a beautiful touch to the loaf. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch.

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough banana bread. Stir until just combined.

Storage: This banana bread is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months (see storage section below).

How to Store

Room Temperature: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to keep it fresher for a longer period, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then storing it in an airtight container is a good option.

Refrigeration: Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s a good idea to store any leftover banana bread in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave individual slices for a warm, comforting treat.

Reheating: To enjoy your banana bread warm, slice off a piece and heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a toaster oven for a few minutes. You can also heat the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to soften it.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a perfect fusion of two favorite desserts: banana bread and cheesecake. With its moist, flavorful banana base and creamy, rich filling, it’s the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a brunch with friends, as an afternoon snack, or simply enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning, this banana bread will satisfy your sweet tooth in the best possible way.

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe will soon become a household favorite. You can personalize it with different add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, and the cream cheese filling can be adjusted to suit your tastes.

So, grab some ripe bananas and cream cheese, and give this delightful recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you for it!

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