Introduction

This cream cheese-filled banana bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Moist and flavorful banana bread is layered with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, making every bite irresistibly rich and satisfying.

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 large egg
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable oil may be substituted)
1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; Greek yogurt may be substituted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt (optional)
1 large egg (for filling)
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened; lite is okay)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring it; set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, coconut oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the mashed bananas until incorporated.
Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Fold gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Set batter aside.
Step 5: Pour about two-thirds of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula, pushing it into the corners and sides as needed.
Step 6: To make the cream cheese filling, combine the egg, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth, or use a hand mixer for a creamier texture.
Step 7: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the banana bread batter in the pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula, ensuring it reaches the corners and sides.
Step 8: Spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer. Smooth very lightly with a spatula to avoid disturbing the filling, and press batter into corners and sides as necessary.
Step 9: Bake for 48 to 50 minutes, or until the top is domed and golden. The center should be set; a toothpick inserted may come out with a few moist crumbs due to the cream cheese layer, which is normal.
Step 10: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
If you prefer, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and extra protein.
For a nutty twist, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
To enhance the cream cheese filling, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with canola oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter based on your preference or dietary needs.

Why does the toothpick test not always work with cream cheese-filled bread?

The cream cheese layer remains creamy and does not fully solidify, so a toothpick may come out with moist crumbs even when the bread is fully baked. Look for a golden domed top and a mostly set center as signs of doneness.

Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 82 reviews

This delightful Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread features moist, sweet banana bread layered with a rich and creamy cheesecake-like filling. Made with ripe bananas, light brown sugar, and a luscious cream cheese mixture, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

1 large egg
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable oil may be substituted)
1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; Greek yogurt may be substituted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt (optional)

Cream Cheese Filling

1 large egg
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese (softened, lite is okay)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray or grease and flour it to prevent sticking; set aside.
Mix banana bread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, liquid-state coconut oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas to incorporate them evenly into the wet mixture.
Add dry ingredients: Fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt gently with a spatula or spoon just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Layer batter in pan: Pour about two-thirds of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly and pushing the batter into corners and sides as needed.
Prepare cream cheese filling: In another large bowl, whisk together the egg, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth and creamy; a hand mixer can be used for ease.
Add cream cheese layer: Evenly pour the cream cheese filling over the banana bread batter in the loaf pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula and making sure it reaches the edges.
Top with remaining batter: Spoon the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing very lightly so as not to disturb the cream cheese filling, and push batter into corners and sides as necessary.
Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for about 48 to 50 minutes or until the top is domed and golden, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted may come out with a few moist crumbs due to the cream cheese layer; avoid testing too early.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

The toothpick test can be tricky since the cream cheese layer won’t fully solidify; focus on the domed, golden top and set center as indicators of doneness.
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired for a slightly tangier flavor.
Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture in the bread.
Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
For a lighter version, use lite cream cheese and sour cream as suggested in the recipe.

Keywords: banana bread, cream cheese filling, baked banana bread, dessert loaf, easy banana bread, cream cheese banana bread