Take your classic banana bread up a notch with a rich, velvety twist—Cream Cheese Banana Bread combines moist, banana-sweetened bread with a luscious cream cheese swirl for a bakery-style treat you can make at home.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, making it ideal for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. This easy recipe not only looks impressive but delivers a soft texture with every bite, thanks to the ripe bananas and rich cream cheese filling.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread Batter:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
- Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife if desired.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little cream cheese on the toothpick is okay).
Step 6: Cool
- Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation:
- Chocolate chip swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Nut topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier version: Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter and reduce the sugar.
COOKING Note:
Check for doneness near the center—because of the cream cheese, the loaf may take longer to bake than regular banana bread. Tent with foil during the last 15 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with coffee or tea: A cozy breakfast or snack.
- With fresh fruit: Serve slices with strawberries or blueberries.
- As dessert: Drizzle with a little caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Holiday brunches: A beautiful addition to a brunch spread.
Tips:
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth swirl.
- Let the bread cool fully before slicing to keep the swirl intact.
- Store in the fridge due to the cream cheese filling.
- For cleaner cuts, chill before slicing, then let warm to room temp before serving.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 10 slices):
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~33g
- Fat: ~13g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~190mg
Nutrition estimates will vary based on ingredient brands and variations.
❓FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, but full-fat gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid fat-free, which may be too watery.
How do I store Cream Cheese Banana Bread?
- Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices as needed.
Can I freeze this bread?
- Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why is my bread too soft in the center?
- It may need more baking time due to the cream cheese. Cover with foil and bake longer if needed.
Can I make this into muffins?
- Yes—layer the batter and filling into lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious upgrade to traditional banana bread, bringing richness and elegance to a humble loaf. The soft, sweet banana crumb pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese layer, creating a show-stopping slice that’s perfect for breakfast, gifting, or dessert.
This recipe is easy enough for everyday baking but special enough to serve to guests—definitely one to keep in your go-to recipe box.