Cream Cheese Banana Bread 

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining the richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf with a hint of tanginess, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil

• Optional: 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

   • Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

   • Fold in the Greek yogurt and vegetable oil until the batter is smooth.

   • If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Bread:

   • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

   • Spoon the cream cheese filling over the banana batter, spreading it gently to cover.

   • Top with the remaining banana bread batter, spreading it evenly over the cream cheese layer.

   • Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.

5. Bake:

   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

   • Slice and enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Banana Bread!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 318 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 38.2 g

• Protein: 5.2 g

• Fat: 16.6 g

• Saturated Fat: 8.3 g

• Cholesterol: 66 mg

• Sodium: 272 mg

• Potassium: 211 mg

• Fiber: 1.2 g

• Sugar: 19.5 g

• Calcium: 68 mg

• Iron: 2 mg