Sweet Banana Bread with Cream Cheese & Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

Bananas transform ordinary bread into a decadent treat with this cream cheese-filled banana bread recipe that promises pure comfort.

Soft, moist banana bread cradles a luscious cream cheese center that melts in your mouth.

Warm cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch to every single bite.

The sweet aroma will dance through your kitchen, drawing everyone closer to the oven.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of creamy and crumbly textures that make this bread irresistible.

The combination of ripe bananas, rich cream cheese, and spicy cinnamon creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a second slice of this irresistible bread.

Why Cream Cheese Banana Bread Stands Out

• Indulge in a warm, moist banana bread that hugs your taste buds with its rich, creamy cream cheese filling and irresistible cinnamon streusel topping.
• Transform ordinary banana bread into an extraordinary treat that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, with minimal baking skills required.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches, this recipe delivers a show-stopping bread that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Swap ingredients or add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you endless delicious possibilities.

What You Need for Stuffed Banana Bread

• Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy filling that adds decadence to the banana bread.
• Flour: The primary structure and base for the bread's texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.

• Butter, Melted: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes deep sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon: Creates a crumbly, sweet, and spiced topping that adds texture and flavor to the bread.

• Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light texture.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice to both the cream cheese filling and streusel topping.

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your loaf pan and give it a generous coating of butter, then dust with flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Banana Smashing Extravaganza

Grab those ripe bananas and go wild with a fork.

Mash them into a delightful mushy consistency, leaving a few small chunks for extra texture and character.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Beat until silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 4: Mix Wet Banana Magic

• Mashed bananas
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir gently, keeping the mixture rustic and relaxed.

Step 5: Bring In The Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour and baking soda, then fold into the wet mixture.

Keep it gentle – lumps are your friend here.

Step 6: Build Beautiful Layers

Pour half the banana batter into the pan.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, then top with remaining banana batter.

Step 7: Craft Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cinnamon

Crumble the mixture and sprinkle generously over the top, pressing slightly to help it stick.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Patient Cooling

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Try to resist cutting into it immediately – the cream cheese needs a moment to set.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Banana Bread

• Sprinkle lemon juice on mashed bananas to keep them fresh and prevent quick oxidation.
• Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling.
• Freeze butter for 10 minutes before making streusel to create better crumbly consistency.
• Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into bread's center; it should read 200-205°F for perfect baking.
• Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Storing and Reheating Banana Bread with Filling

• Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only what you need, keeping the rest frozen and fresh.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the streusel's crunchiness.

Great Pairings for Cream Cheese Banana Bread

• Brew Perfectly Paired Coffee: Select a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel and nutty undertones that complement the banana bread's sweetness and cream cheese richness.
• Enhance Flavor Combination: Pair the bread with a dollop of honey-lavender butter, which adds a delicate floral note and enhances the cinnamon streusel's warm spiciness.
• Serve with Creamy Companion: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bread, creating a delightful temperature contrast and amplifying the dessert's creamy texture.
• Balance with Refreshing Drink: Enjoy a chilled glass of spiced chai latte, whose cardamom and ginger notes will beautifully highlight the bread's cinnamon and banana flavors.

Tasty Variations of Stuffed Banana Bread

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a similar texture and taste.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Version: Swap dairy cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Use mashed banana as an egg replacement and coconut oil instead of butter to create a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly banana bread.
• Low-Sugar Modification: Reduce brown sugar by half and substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness, maintaining the bread's rich flavor while cutting down on added sugars.
• Nutty Protein Boost: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping. Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for extra nutrition, creating a more protein-dense breakfast or snack option.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking to the bottom?

Carefully spread half the banana batter first, add the cream cheese layer gently, then top with remaining batter. This technique helps the filling stay suspended in the middle of the bread.

• Can I use different types of bananas?

Absolutely! Overripe, brown bananas are best because they’re sweeter and more moist. Ripe bananas with dark spots will give your bread the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness.

• What if my cream cheese isn't softened?

Microwave the cream cheese in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This helps it reach the right soft, spreadable consistency without melting completely. Room temperature cream cheese works best for smooth mixing.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

Cream Cheese-filled Banana Bread With Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent cream cheese-filled banana bread elevates classic comfort with its rich, swirled center and crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Sweet bananas and tangy cream cheese create a luxurious twist that delights you with each moist, flavorful slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Streusel Topping and Extras:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a loaf pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking and create a delightful crust.
2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl, leaving slight texture with small lumps for added dimension.
3. Craft a silky cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon until luxuriously smooth.
4. Combine mashed bananas with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring gently to maintain a rustic consistency.
5. Sift flour and baking soda together, then delicately fold into the banana mixture, avoiding overmixing to preserve the bread’s tender texture.
6. Create delectable layers by spreading half the banana batter in the prepared pan, followed by an even cream cheese distribution, then topping with remaining banana batter.
7. Prepare streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly, generously sprinkling over the batter and gently pressing to ensure adherence.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should emerge clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
9. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, permitting the cream cheese layer to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor that enhances the bread’s overall taste.
• Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly throughout the bread.
• Prevent Sinking Streusel: Lightly dust streusel topping with a touch of flour before sprinkling to help it stay crunchy and prevent it from sinking into the batter during baking.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising texture or taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg