Indulge in the moist and flavorful delight of cream cheese banana bread, where the richness of cream cheese meets the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe offers a scrumptious way to enjoy a comforting treat, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, guaranteed to please everyone in your family. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields one loaf, approximately 10 slices. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 60 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): approximately 180 calories, 6g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 8g fat, 1g fiber. This nutritional information is based on one slice of cream cheese banana bread.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and cream cheese.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the sugars until fully integrated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese. You can also substitute maple syrup for sugar for a natural sweetness. For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Serving and Pairings
Cream cheese banana bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for an extra treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture.
- Not using ripe bananas will affect the sweetness.
- Skipping the cooling time can cause the bread to crumble.
- Baking at too high a temperature may burn the top.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the result.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I tell if the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to store banana bread?
Store it at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it.
How long does cream cheese banana bread last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
Cream cheese banana bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining moist banana flavor with creamy richness. Perfect for any time of day, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy each slice fresh, or save some for later—if it lasts that long!
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and cream cheese.
- Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the sugars until fully integrated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
