Who doesn’t love banana bread? It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time of day. But have you ever tried cream cheese banana bread? This delicious twist on the classic recipe takes it to a whole new level. The cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and a moist texture that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s super easy to make and a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Slice and serve!
Nutritional Information:
Servings: 12 | Serving size: 1 slice | Calories: 256 | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 218mg | Total Carbohydrates: 39g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 21g | Protein: 4g | Vitamin A: 7% | Vitamin C: 4% | Calcium: 3% | Iron: 7%
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 50-60 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
This cream cheese banana bread is delicious on its own, but you can also try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It’s also great with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch.
Variations:
For a fun twist, try adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, for a healthier option. Or, try adding some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitutions:
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
- If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or even a dash of rum or bourbon for a fun twist.
Storage:
This cream cheese banana bread will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost.
Tips:
- Be sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. You want them to be soft and sweet, with lots of brown spots.
- Don’t overmix the batter or your bread may turn out tough. Mix until just combined.
- If your bread is browning too quickly in the oven, tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Notes:
This recipe makes one 9×5 inch loaf of cream cheese banana bread. You can easily double the recipe if you want to make two loaves.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze cream cheese banana bread?
- Can I use frozen bananas?
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, you can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost.
Yes, you can use frozen bananas in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing them.
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips would be a great addition to this recipe.
Personal Thoughts:
This cream cheese banana bread is one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s so easy to make and always turns out perfectly moist and flavorful. I love the tangy flavor that the cream cheese adds, and it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas that are sitting on your counter. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do!
So what are you waiting for? Grab those overripe bananas and whip up a batch of this delicious cream cheese banana bread. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!