Cream Cheese Banana Bread Bliss

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Bliss combines the classic flavors of banana bread with a rich, creamy surprise—an indulgent cream cheese layer tucked inside. This banana bread is moist and flavorful, thanks to the mashed ripe bananas and a touch of sour cream, which keeps the loaf tender. The smooth, slightly tangy cream cheese layer adds richness, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

INGREDIENTS

• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, for leavening
• Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon, for a warm flavor
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, to give the bread structure
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup, to make the bread tender
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness
• Eggs: 2 large, to bind the ingredients
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor
• Ripe bananas, mashed: 3, for natural sweetness and moisture
• Sour cream: 1/4 cup, to keep the bread moist
• Cream cheese, softened: 4 ounces, for the creamy layer

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream.

Step 5:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 6:

Pour half of the banana batter into the loaf pan, then spread the cream cheese mixture over it. Top with the remaining banana batter.

Step 7:

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8:

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Serve slices with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat.

Helpful Notes

• For an extra tangy flavor, add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
• To make the bread even more indulgent, drizzle a simple glaze over the top once it's cooled.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Duff Goldman suggests using very ripe bananas for a more pronounced banana flavor and natural sweetness.
• Chef Martha Stewart recommends letting the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure the cream cheese layer sets properly.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Bliss takes the beloved flavors of banana bread and adds a smooth cream cheese layer for a rich, creamy surprise in every bite. The banana bread itself is made with ripe bananas, softened butter, sugar, and sour cream, giving it a soft, moist texture. The hidden cream cheese layer in the center makes this loaf extra indulgent and perfect for serving as a dessert or breakfast. With a bake time of about 60-70 minutes, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields a loaf that will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.