I’ve always loved baking, and one of my all-time favorite treats to make is banana bread. There’s something comforting about the smell of ripe bananas baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with warmth. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many versions, but this Cream Cheese Banana Bread quickly became my go-to recipe. The magic lies in its creamy cheesecake filling that melts into the soft, moist banana bread, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a little indulgent, yet simple enough to make anytime you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it takes the classic banana bread and elevates it with a luscious cream cheese layer that feels special yet familiar. Every bite is a combination of soft banana bread and rich, creamy cheesecake, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Unlike ordinary banana breads, this one has a tender crumb that stays moist for days, so you can enjoy it longer without worrying about it drying out.

Versatile
This banana bread is incredibly versatile. You can slice it for a quick breakfast with your favorite spread, serve it at brunch, or even bring it to gatherings and parties where it’s guaranteed to impress. The cream cheese layer adds a touch of sophistication, while the banana flavor keeps it homey and comforting. You can even add chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you want to customize it further without changing the overall texture and taste.

Budget-Friendly
Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. Overripe bananas, a common kitchen ingredient that would otherwise go to waste, become the star of the show. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like sugar, butter, flour, and eggs, making it a recipe that doesn’t require any special shopping trips or expensive additions. You get a bakery-quality treat at home without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Banana Bread

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 ripe bananas
½ cup butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder

This combination of ingredients creates a banana bread that is rich, moist, and irresistibly creamy, perfect for any occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee at home.

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Making this Cream Cheese Banana Bread is easier than it seems, and the result is always impressive. I like to start by preparing all my ingredients at room temperature, especially the eggs, butter, and cream cheese, because it helps the batter blend smoothly and gives the bread a tender texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread will bake evenly from the start. Spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal. Ensuring the pans are ready beforehand saves time and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results. Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), beating until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and mix just until combined. Set this mixture aside. This filling will give the banana bread a rich and creamy layer in the center, creating that signature cheesecake effect.
Make the Banana Batter
In a large bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Add the ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup packed light brown sugar, mixing until evenly combined. Beat in 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), and ½ cup sour cream. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas and cream cheese.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so fold gently while ensuring no streaks of flour remain.
Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Filling
Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pans. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and spread it evenly. Finally, pour the remaining banana batter on top, smoothing it gently with a spatula to cover the cream cheese layer completely. This layering creates a beautiful swirl effect once baked.
Bake the Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. If the tops start browning too quickly, cover the pans loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Cool and Serve
Allow the loaves to cool completely in the pans before removing. Cooling ensures the cream cheese filling sets properly, giving each slice a perfect texture. Once cooled, slice and serve. This bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a simple glass of milk.

Quick and Easy Tips

Always use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Room temperature ingredients blend better, producing a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix once flour is added; it keeps the bread tender.

Customizable Options

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Include chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Crowd-Pleasing Qualities
This banana bread is always a hit. The creamy filling surprises everyone and makes it stand out from ordinary banana breads. It’s perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunch, or gifting to friends. Because of its soft, moist texture and sweet, creamy center, it appeals to both kids and adults alike.

FAQs for Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing, as too much moisture can affect the bread’s texture.

Q: Can I make this bread in one loaf pan instead of two?
A: Absolutely. If using one larger loaf pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs.

Q: How should I store leftover banana bread?
A: Store cooled banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based sour cream. The bread will still be moist and delicious.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
A: Definitely. Fold in about ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter before layering with cream cheese for added texture and flavor.

Q: Will the cream cheese filling melt into the bread?
A: Yes, during baking, the cream cheese layer softens and swirls into the banana bread, creating a creamy, cheesecake-like texture throughout each slice.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

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Print Recipe

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread combines the classic banana bread with a creamy cheesecake filling. It’s soft, moist, and perfect for using overripe bananas. Every bite offers a balance of sweet banana flavor and rich cream cheese, making it ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Total Time: 105 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Banana Bread Batter:

3 ripe bananas
½ cup butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
Beat cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), then mix in 1 tablespoon flour. Set aside.
Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar; mix until combined. Beat in 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free), and sour cream.
In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Fold into wet mixture until just combined.
Pour half the batter into the pans. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Cover with remaining batter.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter.
Optional: fold in ½ cup nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.

Author: Layla
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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