This Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful banana bread with a surprise cheesecake-like filling in the center. The soft and tender texture, combined with the rich cream cheese layer, makes this recipe a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. It’s an easy, no-mixer recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare before baking.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup liquid-state coconut oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the banana bread batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, coconut oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Make the cream cheese filling:
- In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the banana bread batter in the pan, smoothing it out.
- Add the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully to cover.
- Bake for 48-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (the cream cheese may still be soft).
- Cool the bread in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 1 slice)
- Calories: 261 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
- Sodium: 155mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
This banana bread is a perfect balance of classic flavor with a creamy twist—great for sharing or enjoying as a comforting homemade treat! 🍌🍞
The Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
One of the standout qualities of this recipe is the contrast in textures. The banana bread itself is incredibly soft, thanks to the use of mashed ripe bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and a touch of coconut oil. These ingredients contribute to a delicate crumb that stays moist for days. The cream cheese filling, on the other hand, provides a velvety, slightly tangy richness that balances the natural sweetness of the bananas. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of these elements, making it a delightful experience.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Several factors make this recipe a must-try. First, the natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas reduce the need for excessive amounts of oil and sugar, keeping it flavorful yet balanced. The sour cream or Greek yogurt enhances the tenderness, ensuring that the bread doesn’t dry out. Additionally, the layering technique ensures that the cream cheese filling is perfectly distributed, providing a cheesecake-like surprise in every slice.
No Mixer Required – Easy and Quick to Prepare
For those who enjoy baking but dislike the hassle of extensive preparation, this recipe is a dream come true. It requires just a few basic ingredients and a couple of mixing bowls. The banana bread batter comes together in minutes with a simple whisk, and the cream cheese filling is just as easy to mix. With minimal effort, you can have a bakery-quality loaf ready to bake.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Overripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel for the best results.
- Avoid Overmixing – When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
- Layer Carefully – Spreading the batter and cream cheese filling evenly is essential for a well-balanced loaf. Use a spatula to gently spread each layer without disturbing the one beneath it.
- Check for Doneness – Since the cream cheese filling remains soft, the usual toothpick test might not be the best indicator. Instead, check if the top of the loaf is golden brown and the edges are set. A slight jiggle in the center is normal, as the filling will firm up while cooling.
- Let It Cool Completely – While it might be tempting to slice into the warm loaf, allowing it to cool ensures that the cream cheese sets properly and slices cleanly.
Variations and Customization Ideas
This recipe is fantastic as is, but you can personalize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Version – Fold in a handful of chocolate chips to the banana bread batter for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and an enhanced nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Spice Twist – Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry Infusion – Swirl in some raspberry or blueberry preserves into the cream cheese layer for a fruity contrast.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance its appeal by serving it with:
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience.
For storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, this bread also freezes well. Simply slice it, wrap each piece individually, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread isn’t just another variation of a classic—it’s a game changer. The combination of the moist banana base and the creamy filling makes it feel like a hybrid between banana bread and cheesecake. It’s perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas in a creative and delicious way.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a banana bread recipe that goes beyond the ordinary, this Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread is the perfect choice. It brings together the comforting familiarity of banana bread with the irresistible creaminess of a cheesecake filling. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers outstanding results every time. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this banana bread is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of creamy, banana-flavored goodness!