This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a soft and moist treat, perfect for using up those ripe bananas! The cream cheese adds a tasty twist, making every bite extra delicious.
Honestly, I can’t resist a warm slice topped with butter—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil if needed, but I find that butter gives the best taste.
Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient for that rich texture. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative if you want fewer calories.
Bananas: The more ripe, the better! If you’re short on bananas, you can replace some with applesauce. About 1/2 cup of applesauce equals one banana.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just note, the texture may change a bit.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to leave them out. You can also replace them with chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do I Ensure My Banana Bread Is Extra Moist?
To achieve that perfect moist texture, avoid overmixing your batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients. Mix just until you see no flour streaks. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Use overripe bananas; the darker the peel, the sweeter they are!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. If overbaked, the bread will lose moisture.
- Let it cool in the pan for a bit, as this helps retain moisture.
Cream Cheese Banana Bread (Moist Loaf)
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) ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Allow some additional time for cooling before slicing. So overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes—definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for the bread! While it heats, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or spatula, beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs:
Next, add the granulated sugar to the bowl and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring a well-mixed batter.
5. Mix it All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your bread tender.
6. Fold in Nuts (if using):
If you love a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. If not, feel free to skip this step!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to make it look nice and even.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top turns golden brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your moist, creamy cream cheese banana bread—perfect with a pat of butter!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. Greek yogurt can also be a good substitute for a similar tangy flavor and moist texture.
What Can I Do With Overripe Bananas?
Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! If you have some that are super ripe, just peel and mash them up. For even more flavor, try roasting them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes before mashing!
How Do I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Yes, you can customize your banana bread! Try adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the liquid content; if you’re adding something like applesauce, you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly.
