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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl, leaving slight texture with small lumps for added dimension.
- Craft a silky cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon until luxuriously smooth.
- Combine mashed bananas with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring gently to maintain a rustic consistency.
- Sift flour and baking soda together, then delicately fold into the banana mixture, avoiding overmixing to preserve the bread’s tender texture.
- 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.
- Prepare streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly, generously sprinkling over the batter and gently pressing to ensure adherence.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should emerge clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
- 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