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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!