If you’ve ever dreamed of a banana bread upgrade, this Cream Cheese Banana Bread is about to make your baking dreams come true! Imagine the classic, perfectly moist banana bread you love, made even richer and more tender by a generous swirl of real cream cheese. With a touch of cinnamon and an optional crunch from nuts, every slice is irresistibly soft, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or dessert, this loaf quickly becomes everyone’s favorite, and you’ll be reaching for a second slice before you know it.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Cream Cheese Banana Bread is simple, and each one truly brings something special to the table. From the creaminess of softened butter and cream cheese to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, every element plays a key role in creating that unforgettable texture and flavor.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Lends rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The not-so-secret star, adding creaminess, moisture, and a subtle tang.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the flavors and gives the bread its sweet, golden-brown finish.
Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and add even more richness to every bite.
Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups, about 3 bananas): For sweetness, natural moisture, and that iconic banana bread aroma.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm, homey flavors inside your loaf.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base for structure while keeping things light and fluffy.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures your bread rises beautifully in the oven.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Reacts with the bananas to give extra lift and tenderness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances both sweetness and the overall flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm hint of spice that pairs so well with banana.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Introduce a delightful crunch for extra texture and nuttiness.

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or for super easy release, line it with parchment paper. Getting your pan ready now will make sure your Cream Cheese Banana Bread comes out in one beautiful piece, ready to slice and enjoy.

Step 2: Cream Together Dairy and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. You’ll want to continue mixing until this trio is light and fluffy—that’s how you get a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb later. Take your time, and don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add the Eggs

One at a time, crack in those eggs, beating well between each addition. This gives the batter body and that undeniably rich flavor. Mixing thoroughly at this stage ensures your loaf rises evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Incorporate Bananas and Vanilla

Pour in your mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth. The bananas add natural moisture and sweetness, while the vanilla brings all the flavors together in a big, cozy hug.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking aerates the flour and spreads out the leavening agents and seasoning, making your Cream Cheese Banana Bread extra evenly textured.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet bowl, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Avoid over-mixing here; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine. This keeps your banana bread soft and lovely, not dense.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts (Optional)

If you’re a fan of a little crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. They add texture without overwhelming the soft, creamy crumb of the loaf.

Step 8: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing out the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the Cream Cheese Banana Bread comes to life!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

When finished, let the bread cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before lifting out and placing onto a wire rack to cool completely. This little rest keeps the loaf from breaking and helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Garnishes

A classic slice of Cream Cheese Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but you can easily dress it up. Try dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling with a quick cream cheese glaze, or sprinkling extra toasted nuts for a bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a frothy chai latte for the ultimate midday treat. For a more indulgent setting, add a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries on the side for a cozy breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cream Cheese Banana Bread into French toast slices for a weekend brunch, or serve thick slices toasted with a pat of salted butter. For dessert vibes, cut the bread into cubes and layer with whipped cream and fruit in a trifle—a sure crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cream Cheese Banana Bread as soft and tender as possible, wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate for up to 5 days if you need a little longer.

Freezing

Yes, you absolutely can freeze this loaf! Wrap individual slices (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then stash in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months, perfect for when you need a last-minute treat or snack.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven. This little touch brings back the fresh-baked aroma and makes the Cream Cheese Banana Bread simply irresistible all over again.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

You can substitute low-fat (Neufchatel) cream cheese, but your Cream Cheese Banana Bread may turn out slightly less rich and moist compared to the full-fat version. For the best texture and flavor, regular cream cheese is highly recommended.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for this bread?

Super ripe, spotty bananas mash up beautifully with a fork, potato masher, or even your stand mixer. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

Can I make this Cream Cheese Banana Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional and leave out easily if you prefer a classic, nut-free loaf. You can even stir in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist.

Why is my banana bread taking longer to bake?

Oven temperatures can vary, and factors like pan material and even banana ripeness can affect baking time. If your toothpick isn’t coming out clean at 55 minutes, continue baking and check every 5 minutes until it’s fully set in the center.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Freeze one loaf or share with a friend—it’s always a joy to share Cream Cheese Banana Bread with others.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cream Cheese Banana Bread is one of those cozy, can’t-miss recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. With its rich, creamy crumb and beautiful banana flavor, it’s a loaf that makes memories and brightens any day. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, moist goodness of Cream Cheese Banana Bread with this easy recipe that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy tang of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this bread is a delightful treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the bread:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in bananas and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, fold in nuts if using.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This banana bread is extra moist due to the cream cheese.
For added flavor, swirl in chocolate chips or top with a cream cheese glaze.
The bread can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American