Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of the most decadent, moist, and creamy banana bread you've ever tasted – a recipe that transforms ordinary bananas into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Banana Cream Cheese Bread isn't just another quick bread; it's a game-changing twist on the classic banana bread that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With its rich, velvety texture and perfect balance of sweet bananas and tangy cream cheese, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy. The bananas should be very soft with minimal lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, stirring until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Tips
- Banana Selection is Key: Always use overripe bananas with brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese, butter, and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for Doneness Carefully: Every oven is different, so start checking your bread around 55 minutes. A clean toothpick or a few moist crumbs indicate it's perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents breaking.
- Storage Hack: For maximum moisture, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It'll stay fresh and delicious for days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 75mg
