Description
Creamy cream cheese banana bread marries the comforting richness of ripe bananas with smooth, tangy cream cheese for a luxurious twist on classic quick bread. Warm slices promise pure indulgence that will transport you straight to baking bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, butter, and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then gently fold in vanilla extract and thoroughly mashed ripe bananas.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Carefully fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring with minimal movement to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without wet batter.
- Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize, then carefully remove and complete cooling on a wire rack for optimal texture.
Notes
- Use super ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother, more even batter that blends perfectly.
- Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty depth in the bread.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bread’s soft texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg