Introduction
Welcome to a delightful baking experience that brings together two irresistible favorites: banana bread and cream cheese! This Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is not just any ordinary loaf; it’s a luscious combination of moist banana bread with a rich, creamy filling that takes each bite to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine biting into a warm slice, the sweet aroma of bananas filling the air, and the subtle tang of cream cheese adding a burst of flavor. This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a special treat.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas with the melted butter, stirring until well blended.
- Add in the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda and a pinch of salt, stirring until just combined.
- Gradually mix in the packed brown sugar followed by the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix; you want it just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the banana batter, ensuring an even layer.
- Pour the remaining banana batter on top of the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe bananas that are speckled with brown spots. They add natural sweetness and create a wonderfully moist bread. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the banana batter for extra crunch and sweetness!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe relies on basic baking techniques that are easy to master. Mixing the ingredients gently is key to achieving a tender loaf. The creamy filling is made by simply beating the cream cheese until smooth, which ensures that it spreads perfectly in the banana bread without clumping. Remember to check your bread as it bakes; every oven behaves a little differently!
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Thawed, frozen bananas work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How should I store the bread?
Store the cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months!
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is a heartwarming treat that brings a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a cozy evening snack, every slice guarantees comfort and joy. Happy baking!