Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich creaminess of cream cheese? This cream cheese banana bread is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of comfort that elevates your snack time. Perfectly moist, with a luscious cream cheese filling, this recipe is easy to follow and will soon become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible loaf!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 10 slices. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): 210 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. This nutritional breakdown is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Incorporate the cream cheese and sugar into the mixture, blending until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread the remaining cream cheese on top of the batter, then pour the remaining batter over it.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, Greek yogurt can replace half of the cream cheese for a tangy flavor while reducing calories.
Serving and Pairings
This cream cheese banana bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts on top for added texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf.
- Using unripe bananas will result in less sweetness.
- Not greasing the pan properly may cause sticking.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the crust.
- Ignoring the cooling time can make the bread gummy.
Helpful Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften for easy mixing.
- Add chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added depth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum.
What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
To speed up ripening, place bananas in a paper bag at room temperature. This traps ethylene gas and encourages ripening.
Can I add nuts to the banana bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the bread.
How should I serve this banana bread?
Serve it warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a delicious treat.
Conclusion
This cream cheese banana bread is a delightful blend of sweetness and creaminess that makes it perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a must-try for banana bread enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Enjoy every slice of this moist and flavorful bread!
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Incorporate the cream cheese and sugar into the mixture, blending until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread the remaining cream cheese on top of the batter, then pour the remaining batter over it.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
