Description

Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread that combines ripe bananas with creamy tangy cream cheese. This cozy loaf offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, enriched with spices like cinnamon and enhanced moisture for a tender, soft texture that lasts for days. Ideal for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this recipe is easy to make with simple pantry staples and is highly customizable with nuts, chocolate, or gluten-free options.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

3 to 4 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted (or 1/2 cup oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (nutty upgrade)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chunks (chocolate lover’s dream)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice (spiced variation)
Substitute part of sugar with maple syrup or honey for lower sugar version

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Soften the cream cheese and beat it together with the sugar and eggs until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base that will keep the bread moist.
Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth, releasing their natural sweetness and moisture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the mashed bananas and melted butter (or oil) into the cream cheese mixture until evenly blended without overmixing.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon or spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to keep the bread tender.
Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or spices here gently to incorporate.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick which should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before removing to set the crumb and prevent crumbling.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bread.
Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Start checking doneness at 50 minutes depending on your oven to avoid overbaking.
Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Warm slices before serving for enhanced flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: banana bread, cream cheese banana bread, moist banana bread, easy banana bread, breakfast bread, cream cheese dessert, gluten-free banana bread