Indulge in the deliciously moist and flavorful Banana Cream Cheese Bread, a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. This recipe features a luscious cream cheese layer nestled between rich banana batter, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and tangy cream cheese in every slice. It’s ideal for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream ensures that this bread stays exceptionally moist and flavorful.
- Cream Cheese Surprise: The layer of cream cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy contrast to the sweet banana flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this bread is easy to whip up without a need for any fancy ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve it warm for breakfast, pack it for a snack, or dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter mixture. Stir until well blended.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Assemble the Bread:
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Gently spread the cream cheese layer evenly over the batter.
- Carefully top with the remaining banana batter, smoothing out the top.
Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Keep covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: This helps to mix the batter more evenly and achieve a smoother texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread at 60 minutes to prevent overbaking.
This Banana Cream Cheese Bread promises to be a new favorite, perfect for those who love banana bread but are looking for something a little extra. Its creamy, tangy layer makes every slice a special treat!