Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic comfort food, but adding a luscious cream cheese layer takes it to the next level. Cream Cheese Banana Bread is soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with sweetness and tanginess. Whether served as a breakfast indulgence, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this bread is sure to impress everyone who tastes it.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the oil (or melted butter) with sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas, mixing until smooth.

 Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Cream Ingredients: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.

Assemble the Bread

1. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
3. Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the rest of the banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top.

 Bake and Cool

1. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (avoiding the cream cheese layer) comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Banana Bread:

• Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Conclusion
Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The combination of moist banana bread and creamy, tangy filling is irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!