This banana bread is a real treat! It’s moist and has a yummy cream cheese swirl that makes it super tasty. Perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime!
Honestly, I can’t resist a slice while it’s warm. The smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone smile. If you have ripe bananas, you’re halfway there!
I love making this bread because it’s easy and quick. Just mix, pour, and bake! Plus, it’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas are key to the sweetness and moisture in this bread. If you don’t have ripe ones, you can speed up the ripening by placing bananas in a brown paper bag overnight. Alternatively, you can use store-bought banana puree.
Unsalted Butter: For a richer flavor, always use unsalted butter. If you prefer a lighter option, use melted coconut oil instead. It adds a nice flavor without the heaviness.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides that delightful swirl and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a similar taste.
Granulated Sugar: I enjoy using brown sugar for a deeper, molasses flavor, but you can also substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
Creating a lovely cream cheese swirl inside your banana bread is easier than you think! First, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, which helps it blend smoothly with sugar and egg.
- Beat the cream cheese mixture until it’s creamy and silky—no lumps allowed!
- Layer half of the banana batter first, then dollop the cream cheese mix on top. Don’t worry about spreading it out.
- Top with the remaining banana batter and gently swirl using a knife or skewer in a back-and-forth motion. This will create that beautiful marbled effect.
Remember, don’t over-swish! You want to see the distinct swirls of cream cheese through your banana bread for an appealing finish.
Moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55-65 minutes of baking time. It’s important to let it cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes for this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they achieve a smooth consistency. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly, so your bread rises well.
5. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the lovely swirl in your banana bread.
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the banana batter, spreading it gently without disturbing the bottom layer.
8. Finish with More Banana Batter:
Carefully pour the remaining banana batter on top of the cream cheese layer. You want the cream cheese to remain mostly in the center.
9. Swirl It Together:
Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the banana batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t mix too much; you want distinct swirls!
10. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
12. Slice and Enjoy!
Once cooled, slice your moist cream cheese banana bread and dig in! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe yields a wonderfully moist banana bread with a delightful cream cheese swirl that makes every slice melt in your mouth. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Overripe Bananas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. They’re sweeter and add more moisture to the bread. Look for bananas with brown spots on the skin for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes). This will keep the bread moist while providing the necessary binding.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor or Texture?
There are several tasty additions you can try! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can enhance flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter at the end before pouring it into the pan.
