Cream cheese banana bread

Cream cheese banana bread is a delicious twist on classic banana bread, adding a rich, creamy texture. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Bananas: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your moist, creamy banana bread!