This moist cream cheese banana bread is fluffy and packed with sweet banana flavor! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack, and the cream cheese adds a lovely touch of richness.
I love how easy it is to whip up this bread. Just mash some bananas, mix in the cream cheese, and bake it! It makes my house smell amazing, and I can’t resist a warm slice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter to control the salt content in my recipe. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a substitute.
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for that rich, moist texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. I enjoy the full flavor of regular cream cheese in this recipe.
Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness. If you can’t find ripe ones, you can bake them with the peel on at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until darkened. It works wonders!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but for a richer taste, try brown sugar instead. It adds some extra moisture and a slight caramel flavor, which is delightful in banana bread.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Moist Banana Bread?
To ensure your banana bread turns out moist, pay attention to the mixing and baking time. Overmixing your batter can lead to a denser loaf.
- When adding the flour mixture, gently fold it in until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
- Check the bread around the 60-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Every oven is different, so a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect moist texture.
Let the bread cool properly in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will enhance its moisture, making each bite delicious!
Moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious banana bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, followed by additional cooling on a wire rack before slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1.5 hours before you can enjoy a slice of this moist goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is important for a fluffy texture!
3. Add the Sugar and Eggs:
Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Your batter should be airy and sweet-smelling at this point.
4. Incorporate the Bananas:
Now, fold in the mashed bananas gently. Make sure they are well mixed into the batter for that lovely banana flavor throughout your bread.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step will ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed.
6. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This waiting period will help it set nicely.
Enjoy this moist and flavorful banana bread with cream cheese for a perfect treat! Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack any time of the day!
FAQ for Moist Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Can I Use Overripe Bananas?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar moist texture. Just note that it may alter the flavor slightly!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the banana bread in advance and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
How Do I Enhance the Flavor?
Feel free to mix in additional flavors such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra depth. Just fold them in along with the bananas for a delicious twist!
