This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a soft and moist treat that’s perfect for breakfast or snack time. The cream cheese adds a lovely richness that makes each slice so delicious!
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with the warm scent of bananas and spices—it’s like a cozy hug! I often enjoy it fresh out of the oven, but it’s great toasted with a little butter too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mashed Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Brown speckles mean extra sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, try using 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Cream Cheese: This adds a lovely richness. If you need a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or sour cream, but keep in mind, the texture will differ slightly.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is standard here, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor or maple syrup for a natural sweetness, just reduce the liquid slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: This is perfect for structure. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Moist Texture?
For moist banana bread, follow these tips:
- Use overripe bananas—they provide natural moisture and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick; moist crumbs should cling to it, but it shouldn’t be wet.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps prevent it from falling apart.
Cream Cheese Banana Bread with Moist Texture
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bread:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cream cheese banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the bowl, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Incorporate Bananas:
Now, mix in the mashed ripe bananas until everything is well combined. The goal is to have a smooth mixture without large chunks of banana.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent it from breaking apart when you take it out of the pan.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve. Enjoy the moist, creamy texture of your banana bread—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
FAQ about Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are often sweeter and will work perfectly in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for the cream cheese. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter, and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
