Oh, banana bread! Is there anything better than the smell of it baking in the oven? It brings back such fond memories for me—especially the times I made it with my grandmother. We’d always try to sneak bites of the batter, pretending we were just taste-testing. And now, I’m excited to share with you my twist on this classic: Delicious Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel! This delightful take on banana bread takes the beloved staple to a whole new flavorful level with creamy cheese and crunchy streusel!
What makes this recipe super special? The moist and dense banana bread is taken up a notch with a luscious cream cheese filling and topped with a cinnamon streusel that just screams comfort. Not to mention, it’s a perfect way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter. So grab your apron, and let’s whip up something delicious!
What’s in Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel?
Bananas: The star of the show! Use ripe, brown-spotted bananas for that perfect sweetness and moisture. I like to let them ripen a little longer on my counter before baking.
Cream Cheese: This creamy offering is what sets this banana bread apart. I recommend regular cream cheese for that rich flavor, but you can also use reduced-fat if you want to lighten things up a bit.
Brown Sugar: Gives the bread a deeper, caramel flavor while keeping it moist. I love light brown sugar for this recipe, but dark brown sugar works great too.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit to balance the sweetness and give the bread that beautiful golden color.
Cinnamon: The highlight of the streusel topping! Cinnamon adds warmth and a delightful aroma. Trust me, you’ll want to sprinkle a little extra on top before baking for that extra flavor kick.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the way to go here! It provides the perfect balance between fluffiness and density.
Baking Soda: Essential for leavening, making the banana bread rise perfectly.
Eggs: Binds everything together and adds a little richness. I love using large eggs in my baking!
Butter: Adds flavor and moisture to the bread. Melted butter is preferred in this recipe for a nice texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings everything together. Use high-quality extract for the best flavor!
Is Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel Good for You?
This banana bread might not be the healthiest option on the table, but it does have some redeeming qualities!
Bananas: They’re a great source of potassium and fiber, plus they provide natural sweetness, which means you can use less sugar overall.
Cream Cheese: While it does add some fat and calories, it also contributes calcium and protein, which is beneficial!
Whole Grain Option: You can swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to up the nutrient content and add fiber.
In moderation, this banana bread can be a delightful treat. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you have it as an afternoon snack while enjoying your favorite book or a cozy cup of tea!
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup melted butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, for extra crunch!)
– For the streusel topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup butter, softened
– 1 tsp cinnamon
This recipe makes about 1 loaf, serving approximately 8 slices.
How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. I like to use a fork—it gives me a chance to get those frustrations out.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; I always like to leave a few lumps for extra softness!
6. Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, and finally layer the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese.
7. For the streusel topping, mix together the flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the loaf.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell divine!
9. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Variations and Helpful Hints
– If you want to get really fancy, add some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the banana batter for an extra indulgent treat!
– Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the streusel before baking—it makes all the difference!
– You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a different creamy flavor.
– Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop it in the fridge for even longer storage. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings!
I hope you give this Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Streusel a try! I can’t wait for you to smell the sweet, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s a wonderful treat for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Please share your experiences and any variations you come up with—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy baking!
