Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- Cream butter, sugar, and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the sugar, softened butter, and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Incorporate bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add optional ingredients: If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
Step 3: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
- Ripeness of bananas: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of spots. They should be soft and easy to mash.
- Cream cheese texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Banana Bread offers a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, with the addition of cream cheese adding extra moisture and a subtle tang. This recipe is easy to make and produces a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat. Enjoy the rich, tender texture and delicious flavor of this comforting banana bread!
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious cream cheese banana bread!