Ingredients
Banana Bread Batter
- 3 ripe bananas (approx. 1.5 cups mashed)
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Mash bananas in large bowl until mostly smooth with some small lumps.
- Whisk melted butter into bananas until combined.
- Add 3/4 cup sugar, whole egg, and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk until incorporated.
- Sprinkle baking soda and salt over mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add flour in two additions, stirring until just combined after each.
- Pour half of banana batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Carefully spread cream cheese filling over batter, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges.
- Top with remaining banana batter and spread gently to cover filling.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until toothpick inserted in bread portion comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 20 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
FAQ
Can I use light cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for proper texture and stability.
How ripe should bananas be?
Bananas should have brown speckles and be very soft for optimal sweetness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Fold up to 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into banana batter before layering.
You Must Know
- Cream cheese must be fully softened at room temperature for smooth filling
- Overmixing batter develops gluten and creates dense bread
- Filling may sink slightly during baking – this is normal
- Cool completely before slicing to set cream cheese layer
Storage Tips
- Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic then foil
- Thaw frozen slices in refrigerator overnight
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Enjoy!