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Take your banana bread to the next level with a velvety cream cheese layer nestled inside. This recipe combines classic banana bread with a cheesecake-inspired filling to create an irresistible loaf that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. The contrast between the moist banana bread and creamy center makes every slice a delightful surprise.
The cream cheese filling adds an elegant touch that transforms ordinary banana bread into something extraordinary. The recipe yields two loaves, making it perfect for sharing or freezing.
Key Ingredients
- Bananas: Choose overripe ones with dark spots for best flavor
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat, softened to room temperature
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness
- Sugars: Both granulated and brown for depth
- Eggs: Room temperature for proper incorporation
- Vanilla Extract: Pure extract enhances flavors
Preparation Method
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Mix in sugar, egg, vanilla, and flour until silky. Set aside while preparing bread batter.
- Banana Mixture:
- Thoroughly mash bananas, leaving slight texture. Blend with melted butter, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until well combined.
- Assembly:
- Layer banana batter, cream cheese filling, then remaining batter in prepared pans, ensuring cream cheese is fully covered.
- Baking:
- Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes until golden brown. Test with toothpick for doneness near edges.
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This recipe emerged from experimenting with classic banana bread variations. The addition of a cream cheese layer elevates the humble quick bread into an elegant treat.
Storage Instructions
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 7 days. While refrigeration isn't required, it's fine to refrigerate. Let chilled bread come to room temperature before serving.
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Banana Selection
Store overripe bananas in the freezer for future baking. Remove peels before freezing. Thawed bananas will be soft and perfect for bread. The darker the peel, the more natural sweetness they'll provide.
Recipe Variations
Incorporate nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Add cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Top with a buttery streusel before baking. Each addition complements the cream cheese filling.
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Recipe Summary
This cream cheese banana bread showcases how simple ingredients can create an exceptional treat. The contrast between tender banana bread and smooth cream cheese filling makes each slice memorable. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to elevate a classic quick bread recipe.
Recipe Tips & Questions
- → How do I know if the bananas are ripe enough?
- Use bananas with brown spots; the sweeter, the better they are for baking.
- → Is freezing this bread an option?
- Of course! Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Why is it important to use room temperature ingredients?
- It helps the ingredients blend better, ensuring a smooth batter and even texture.
- → Can the recipe be halved for one loaf?
- Absolutely. Just divide all the ingredients in half and bake in one 9x5-inch pan.
- → What's the best way to keep this bread fresh?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.