Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful treat that combines the sweet, moist texture of ripe bananas with a smooth, tangy cream cheese center. The bread itself is soft and fragrant, packed with natural banana flavor, while the cream cheese filling adds a pleasantly rich surprise in every bite.
I love how the cream cheese filling keeps the banana bread from feeling too dry and adds a little extra special touch that turns a simple loaf into something really memorable. It’s one of those recipes I come back to when I want to make a homemade snack that feels a bit extra but is still easy enough for any day of the week.
This banana bread is perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or as a cozy afternoon snack. I like to slice it up and enjoy it slightly warm, so the cream cheese filling is soft and creamy. It’s also a great recipe to share during family gatherings or when friends stop by, since everyone seems to love that little creamy surprise inside.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they are sweeter and mash easily. This gives your loaf a moist and natural sweetness. If you don’t have bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work, but texture and flavor will differ.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a creamy, rich filling. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it’s soft and spreadable.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adding sour cream or plain yogurt helps keep the bread moist and tender. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt or silken tofu can be substituted.
Butter & Sugar: Butter adds richness and helps with texture. For a lighter version, you can use applesauce or mashed avocado for part of the butter, and reduce sugar slightly if preferred.
How Can I Keep the Cream Cheese Filling from Sinking or Mixing Into the Banana Bread?
The key is layering and gentle handling:
- Pour half the banana bread batter into the loaf pan and smooth the surface.
- Spread the cream cheese filling carefully over the batter, making sure to leave a small gap from the edges so it doesn’t leak during baking.
- Gently pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer. Avoid stirring or pressing down hard; just smooth the top gently.
- Bake on the middle oven rack to ensure even heat around the loaf, which helps the filling stay intact.
This method creates a nice cream cheese stripe in the middle, giving you that special, creamy surprise without it mixing too much into the bread.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5 inch loaf pan – I recommend it because it gives the bread enough room to rise and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – helpful for whisking the dry ingredients and preparing the filling separately.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
- Rubber spatula – for gently folding ingredients without knocking out the air.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in all your ingredients.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – prevents the bread from sticking cleanly and easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts – toss into the batter for added texture and flavor in every bite.
- Fresh berries – fold in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that pairs well with the banana flavor.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – sprinkle into the batter for a warm, spicy note that enhances the banana’s sweetness.
- Peanut butter or Nutella – swirl into the batter before baking for a decadent, nutty flavor variation.
Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 60-70 minutes to bake. Add another 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan well and dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This helps make the bread tender and sweet.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
5. Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream:
Gently stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt) until the batter is smooth and just combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully with a spatula. You want to mix until just blended, without overworking the batter.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Layer the Batter and Filling:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it out evenly. Then carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, keeping it within the edges. Finally, pour the remaining banana bread batter over the filling and gently smooth the top.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the banana bread part (avoiding the cream cheese center). If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
11. Enjoy!
Slices of this moist banana bread with its creamy, tangy center are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Banana Bread?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw frozen bananas before mashing. Drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet, then proceed as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Filling?
If you prefer, try ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture and flavor. Just blend with sugar, egg, and vanilla like the cream cheese filling, and layer the same way.
What If My Cream Cheese Filling Leaks Out During Baking?
Make sure to keep the cream cheese filling away from the edges when layering and gently pour the top batter to avoid mixing. Also, bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.