This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with banana goodness! The cream cheese adds a lovely richness that makes every bite so enjoyable.
As someone who can’t resist a good banana bread, I can tell you that this one disappears fast! It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack—don’t forget to share (or not!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe, spotty bananas are best for this recipe. They bring natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can bake unripe ones at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they soften.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese provides richness. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using Greek yogurt instead. It gives a nice texture while cutting some calories!
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work quite well as a substitute.
Walnuts or Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but they add great flavor and texture. For a nut-free version, simply leave them out. You could also use sunflower seeds for crunch!
How Do You Get the Best Moist Texture in Banana Bread?
To ensure your banana bread is moist, pay attention to the mixing process. Here’s a simple guide:
- Use very ripe bananas—brown and spotty is best!
- Cream the butter and cream cheese until fluffy to aerate the mixture before adding the sugar and eggs.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Let the bread cool a bit in the pan before transferring to a wire rack; this helps maintain moisture.
Following these tips will give you a deliciously moist banana bread every time! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cream Cheese Banana Bread with Moist Texture
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (about 3-4 medium) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for 10 minutes of cooling in the pan, followed by additional cooling on a wire rack. Total time will be around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can slice into that delicious banana bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Both methods work well!
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, beat these ingredients together until they’re smooth and fluffy. This step helps create a light texture in your bread.
3. Add Eggs and Bananas:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mix will help distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread nice and tender!
6. Fold in Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. This is the time to get creative with your flavors!
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure to spread it evenly so it bakes uniformly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into that wonderfully moist banana bread!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious, and moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread—perfect for any time of day!
FAQs About Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen bananas first and drain any excess liquid. They’ll mash easily and work wonderfully in the recipe. Just make sure they’re ripe before freezing for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. It will still provide moisture and a nice tang without the extra fat!
What Can I Add to Customize the Flavor?
You can customize this banana bread by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in ingredients like dried fruits, coconut, or even peanut butter for extra flavor! Have fun experimenting!
