Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that smells like a warm hug and tastes even better, you’ve got to try making this Cream Cheese Banana Bread. I remember the first time I whipped up a batch; my kitchen was filled with that delightful aroma of ripe bananas mingling with the richness of cream cheese. Let’s just say, my family is still talking about it years later!
What I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably moist and flavorful the bread turns out. The cream cheese adds a velvety dimension that makes each slice scrumptiously indulgent. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and once you taste it, you’ll likely find it hard to share! So grab those ripe bananas, and let’s get baking!
What’s in Cream Cheese Banana Bread?
Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! The riper they are, the more natural sweetness you’ll get, so don’t be shy; those brown spots are your friends.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the banana bread extra special. It adds that lovely richness and moisture that takes the flavor to the next level. I usually grab a block of Philadelphia cream cheese, but any soft cream cheese will work.
Granulated Sugar: We need a good sweetener for this loaf. If you’re feeling adventurous, brown sugar can also add a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: They help bind everything together. Fresh, local eggs are the best if you have access to them!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the building block of our bread. I’m a fan of King Arthur flour, but any good quality all-purpose flour will do.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are our leavening agents; they’re responsible for making the bread rise beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and enhances all those delicious flavors.
Salt: Don’t skip this! A little salt amplifies the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
Is Cream Cheese Banana Bread Good for You?
Bread might not always top the “healthy” charts, but this Cream Cheese Banana Bread has some redeeming qualities!
Ripe Bananas: They are packed with potassium and are a great source of dietary fiber. Plus, they can help curb those afternoon snack cravings.
Cream Cheese: While delicious, it’s still a good source of calcium and can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation.
However, do keep in mind that this recipe is definitely on the indulgent side. So, if you’re watching your sugar intake or looking for gluten-free options, you might want to tweak the recipe a bit. For example, you can experiment with using a sugar substitute or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Ingredients List
– 3 ripe bananas
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
This recipe yields about 1 loaf, which is roughly 8-10 slices, depending on how thick you slice it!
How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add in the softened cream cheese and mix until blended.
3. Add the sugar and eggs, whisking until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over mix!
5. Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Tips for Cream Cheese Banana Bread
– For an extra splash of flavor, try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter. Each bite will surprise and delight!
– If you have leftover bread, it freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer bag, and it’ll be good for a couple of months. Just let it thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
– Serve it warm with a slather of butter, or cream cheese for a double whammy!
I can’t express enough how much joy this Cream Cheese Banana Bread brings into my life and my home. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—don’t forget to share your baking adventures! Happy baking!
