Banana Bread with Cream Cheese

Banana bread with cream cheese is the ultimate twist on a classic, combining moist banana bread with a rich and tangy cream cheese swirl or filling. The cream cheese adds an indulgent layer that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Every bite delivers comfort, creaminess, and a bakery-style treat right at home.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to bake it as a loaf, muffins, or even a layered dessert. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or brunch tables. The soft banana bread base paired with creamy filling creates a flavor combination that is truly irresistible.

Whether enjoyed warm from the oven, cooled and sliced with coffee, or topped with extra glaze, banana bread with cream cheese is the kind of homemade goodness that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Ingredients List

– 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings: chopped walnuts, pecans, or a drizzle of glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas until smooth.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with sour cream or yogurt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect if desired.

Step 6: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

Makes 1 loaf (about 10 slices)

Nutritional Information (approx. per slice)

Calories: 280
Carbs: 33g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g

Storage Instructions

Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 6 days. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Pairings/Suggestions

Banana bread with cream cheese pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or black tea. For brunch, serve with fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or yogurt parfaits. If enjoying as dessert, add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Toasted slices also taste wonderful with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.

Seasonal Relevance

This recipe is great year-round but feels especially cozy during fall and winter when warm baked goods are comforting. It’s also ideal for spring brunches, Easter gatherings, or holiday tables. Since bananas are always available, banana bread with cream cheese is timeless and seasonless.

Health Benefits

Bananas provide natural sweetness and are packed with potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, which support heart and digestive health. Cream cheese adds calcium and protein while offering a creamy texture that reduces the need for heavy frostings. Using Greek yogurt or sour cream helps keep the bread moist and adds probiotics. While this recipe is indulgent, small substitutions—like reducing sugar, using whole wheat flour, or adding nuts—can make it more nutritious.

Pros and Cons

Pros | Cons
Easy to make with simple ingredients | Longer bake time than regular banana bread
Rich, creamy filling for indulgence | Higher in calories due to cream cheese
Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert | Best stored in fridge, not room temp for long
Customizable with nuts, chocolate chips, or glaze | May require ripe bananas, which need planning ahead

Conclusion

Banana bread with cream cheese is a delightful upgrade to the classic recipe, blending moist banana flavor with creamy richness. It’s versatile enough for everyday enjoyment yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you swirl the filling or layer it inside, this treat delivers bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this bread will impress family and friends while giving you a comforting homemade snack. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to banana bread recipe, loved for its unique twist and irresistible flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture. Low-fat versions may make the filling slightly thinner.

Q2: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate-banana-cream cheese combination.

Q3: How do I know when the bread is done?
Check with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q4: Can I make this into muffins?
Yes. Divide batter and filling into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 22–25 minutes.

Q5: How can I make this bread more festive for holidays?
Add spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger, and top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or chopped candied nuts.