Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is soft, moist, and packed with sweet banana flavor.
A creamy cream cheese layer baked through the center makes every slice rich
and delicious while keeping the bread wonderfully tender.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it
   with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until
   light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the
   vanilla extract.
5. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream. Mix until evenly combined.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix only until
   no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Spread half of the banana bread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
   Spoon the cream cheese over the center and gently spread it into an even layer.
9. Cover the cream cheese with the remaining banana batter and smooth the top.
   Banana slices can be added on top before baking if desired.
10. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the bread is golden and a toothpick inserted
    into the cake portion comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the loaf to a
    wire rack and allow it to cool before slicing.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest banana flavor.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it spreads easily.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil near the end of baking.
• Allow the loaf to cool before slicing so the cream cheese center can set properly.

Storage

Because this banana bread contains a cream cheese center, store leftovers
covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let individual slices sit at
room temperature briefly before serving, or warm them gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes. Thaw them completely and drain off excessive liquid before mashing and
adding them to the batter.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden and the center should feel set. Test the cake portion
rather than the cream cheese layer with a toothpick.

Can I add nuts?

Yes. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the banana batter for
additional crunch.