Banana bread with cream cheese is a moist and delicious twist on a classic that will leave your taste buds craving more. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas and tangy cream cheese, creating a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious dessert or a comforting snack, this banana bread recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold the cream cheese into the banana bread batter, creating swirls but not fully incorporating.
Baking the Banana Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the banana bread for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it and letting it cool completely on a wire rack.
It’s best to store this banana bread with cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator, as the cream cheese may soften and become unstable at room temperature. Before serving, allow the bread to come to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
History and Curiosities about Banana Bread
Banana bread traces its origin back to the early 20th century, when baking soda and baking powder gained popularity as reliable leavening agents. The increased production of bananas in the United States and the need to use up overripe bananas is believed to have led to the creation of banana bread. This sweet bread quickly gained popularity in various American cookbooks.
Over the years, various flavors and textures have been added to this classic recipe, with cream cheese being one of the most popular additions. Cream cheese not only adds a delightful tangy flavor but also enhances the moisture level of the bread, making it hard to resist. Banana bread has evolved to become an iconic dessert in American households and continues to be reinvented with new ingredient combinations.
In conclusion, this moist and delicious banana bread with cream cheese is the perfect treat for anyone craving a twist on a classic recipe. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the history and tradition that this delectable bread brings to your table.
