Print

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread
Print Recipe

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread offers a moist, tender banana bread wrapped around a luscious, creamy cream cheese center. This recipe balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a subtly tangy cream cheese filling, creating a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to customize and suitable for various occasions, it promises a delightful twist on classic banana bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

  • 1 cup (2-3) ripe bananas, mashed (overripe with brown spots)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, forming a luscious filling center.
  2. Mix the Banana Bread Batter: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Whisk in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined to form a thick batter. If using, gently fold in optional nuts, chocolate chips, or spices.
  3. Layer the Batter and Filling: Grease a loaf pan and pour half of the banana bread batter into it. Carefully spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Cover the cream cheese layer with the remaining banana bread batter, smoothing the top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the banana bread (not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice to reveal the rich cream cheese core. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread fluffy and tender.
  • Ensure cream cheese is room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • Use an oven thermometer to bake evenly without under or overcooking.
  • Let the bread cool completely to set the cream cheese center for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, cream cheese filling, moist banana bread, baked dessert, breakfast bread, creamy center, easy banana bread

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cream-cheese-filled-banana-bread/