This Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is a soft, fluffy, and flavorful treat. The banana bread is enriched with a rich cream cheese filling that gives it a creamy, cheesecake-like layer. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make and combines the deliciousness of ripe bananas and cream cheese for a delightful twist on traditional banana bread.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
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1 large egg
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½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup coconut oil (liquid state)
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¼ cup sour cream (lite is fine, Greek yogurt can be substituted)
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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Pinch of salt (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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1 large egg
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4 oz brick-style cream cheese (softened, lite is okay)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Directions
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Prepare the Banana Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together egg, sugars, coconut oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Stir in mashed bananas.
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Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
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Pour two-thirds of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.
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Pour the cream cheese filling over the banana bread batter in the pan, spreading it evenly.
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Top with the remaining banana bread batter, smoothing it lightly on top without disturbing the cream cheese layer.
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Bake for 48-50 minutes, or until the top is golden, domed, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (the cream cheese may not set completely).
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Value (per slice)
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Calories: 261 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 52mg
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Sodium: 155mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 22g
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Vitamin A: 180 IU
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Vitamin C: 3mg
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Calcium: 15mg
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Iron: 1mg
Why This Banana Bread Stands Out
The beauty of this recipe lies in its combination of simplicity and decadence. You don’t need advanced baking skills or hours in the kitchen to create something that looks and tastes bakery-worthy. The banana bread batter comes together with basic pantry staples, while the filling requires just a handful of ingredients. Yet, the result is extraordinary—soft, moist bread hugging a luscious ribbon of cream cheese.
What makes this bread particularly special is its balance. Traditional banana bread can sometimes lean toward being overly sweet or dense. By incorporating cream cheese, the recipe introduces a creamy tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, offering a more sophisticated flavor profile. It’s almost like merging two desserts—banana bread and cheesecake—into one.
Perfect Occasions to Enjoy Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread
This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed in numerous settings:
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Breakfast or Brunch: Serve thick slices alongside coffee, tea, or a latte for a morning indulgence.
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Dessert: Dress it up with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce and serve with a scoop of ice cream.
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Snack: Keep it on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up, perfect with a cold glass of milk.
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Special Occasions: Add it to your holiday spread, potluck, or family gathering—it’s a guaranteed hit.
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Gift Idea: Wrapped beautifully, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
The recipe is also freezer-friendly, meaning you can bake it ahead of time, slice it, and store it for future enjoyment. This makes it especially practical for busy households or when you want to prepare something ahead for unexpected guests.
Tips for Success
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your results and ensure your banana bread turns out bakery-quality every time:
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Use Overripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the banana peel, the better. Overripe bananas bring more natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor, which is key to the bread’s success.
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Do Not Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough bread.
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Layering the Batter and Filling: Be gentle when spreading the cream cheese filling over the banana batter. Smooth it evenly to ensure a consistent ribbon of creaminess in every slice.
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Check for Doneness Carefully: Because of the cream cheese center, the toothpick test may be tricky. Insert the toothpick closer to the edges instead of the center, and make sure the bread is golden brown and domed on top.
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Cool Before Slicing: Although it’s tempting to cut into the bread while warm, allowing it to cool completely helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
The base recipe is already delightful, but it can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few creative twists:
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the banana bread batter for a nutty texture.
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Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Mix in chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture or swirl cinnamon sugar through the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Tropical Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut or crushed pineapple into the batter for a tropical flair.
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Healthier Take: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage ensures the bread maintains its flavor and texture for as long as possible:
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Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigeration: Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is a safe option if you plan to keep it longer. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Slice the bread, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
When serving, you can enjoy it plain or elevate it further. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while whipped cream or a drizzle of honey enhances its dessert-like quality.
Health and Nutritional Insights
While this recipe is undeniably indulgent, it offers some nutritional benefits worth noting. Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. The addition of cream cheese brings calcium and protein, while sour cream or yogurt adds probiotics for digestive health.
That said, this bread does contain sugar and fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those looking to lighten it up, you can experiment with reducing sugar, using light cream cheese, or substituting coconut oil with applesauce.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread isn’t just another banana bread recipe—it’s a showstopper. It combines comfort and sophistication in one loaf. For families, it’s a way to use up ripe bananas while creating something that feels special. For entertainers, it’s a dish that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. And for those who simply love to bake, it’s a rewarding recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
What makes it even more appealing is its versatility. From breakfast tables to dessert trays, this banana bread fits seamlessly into countless occasions. Its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature ensures you can always have a slice of homemade indulgence ready to go.
Conclusion
In the world of quick breads, Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is truly in a league of its own. It offers the best of both worlds—the moist, sweet comfort of banana bread and the creamy, tangy decadence of cheesecake. Whether you enjoy it warm with a morning cup of coffee, as a chilled dessert after dinner, or as a gift to share with loved ones, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation.
Its ease of preparation, adaptability, and irresistible flavor make it one of those recipes that you’ll return to again and again. In fact, once you’ve tried it, plain banana bread may never feel quite the same. If you’re looking to elevate a classic into something unforgettable, this Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is exactly the recipe to try.