Description
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on classic banana bread. By incorporating a rich cream cheese layer and sour cream, this loaf offers a tender crumb and a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it delivers a comforting treat with each slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Batter
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sour cream, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Combine with dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Beat the cream cheese: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is creamy and smooth, without lumps.
- Assemble the layers: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the beaten cream cheese over the batter layer, then carefully spread the remaining banana batter on top to cover the cream cheese layer.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to preserve the layers and texture.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Softened cream cheese is easier to beat and results in a smoother layer.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture if desired.
- Store wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
