This Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It’s soft, moist banana bread packed with sweet chunks of ripe banana, and right in the middle, there’s a rich, creamy layer of cream cheese that melts into every bite. The combination of sweet and tangy makes it so comforting and special.
I love making this banana bread when I have a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on the counter, and the cream cheese filling adds something unexpected that always surprises my family and friends. I usually swirl the cream cheese gently into the batter so it creates a beautiful marbled look as it bakes. It’s like a little secret treat baked right inside!
My favorite way to enjoy this bread is warm with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning. Sometimes I’ll toast a slice and spread a tiny bit of butter on top, but honestly, it’s delicious just as it is. It’s perfect for sharing, bringing to potlucks, or just sneaking a slice when no one’s looking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture. The riper, the better! If you have browning bananas, those are perfect. Overripe bananas mash easily and add a rich flavor.
Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy. If you want a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese or even mascarpone for a milder taste.
Butter and Sugar: Butter adds richness and sugar sweetens the bread. You can swap half the sugar for brown sugar to add a deeper flavor and extra moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat flour but use half whole wheat and half all-purpose to keep the bread tender.
Yogurt or Sour Cream (Optional): These add moistness and slight tang. You can skip this if you want a lighter bread or substitute with buttermilk for similar effects.
How Do You Create the Cream Cheese and Banana Layer Inside the Bread?
Making the cream cheese and banana filling layered inside the bread is what makes this recipe special. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by pouring half the batter into your loaf pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Spread the cream cheese filling gently over the batter. Don’t mix—just spread so it stays a separate layer.
- Lay peeled, halved banana slices lengthwise over the cream cheese filling to create a visible inner banana ring.
- Pour the remaining batter on top carefully, smoothing the surface to seal everything inside.
- This layering creates a nice swirl inside after baking with a lovely cream cheese center and banana surprises in every slice.
Make sure to handle the batter gently on top so you don’t disturb the cream cheese layer too much. This way, the filling stays creamy and the banana slices remain visible, giving your bread a beautiful look and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – I like this size because it gives the bread enough room to rise and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – get a few for mixing different components without any mess.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes blending the batter smooth and easy.
- Rubber spatula – helps gently fold ingredients and spread the batter evenly.
- Cooling rack – cool your bread fully on the rack so the crust stays crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter, milder filling.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter or filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in blueberries or chopped strawberries for fruity bursts inside the bread.
- Use cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for a spiced twist that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Banana Bread:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream (optional for extra moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced lengthwise for the inner layer
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 55 to 65 minutes baking time. After baking, allow 10 minutes to cool in the pan, then let it cool completely on a rack before slicing. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Loaf Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Bananas and Yogurt:
Mix the mashed bananas and, if you’re using it, the yogurt or sour cream into the wet ingredients until all combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix so your bread stays nice and tender.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
8. Layer the Batter and Filling:
Pour about half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Carefully spoon and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the banana bread batter.
Place the peeled banana slices lengthwise over the cream cheese layer to make a lovely filling center.
Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the banana slices and cream cheese, smoothing the top gently.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out mostly clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Slice the bread to reveal the creamy, banana-filled center. Serve and enjoy your surprise treat!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to keep the batter from becoming too wet.
How Should I Store Leftover Banana Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Banana Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to use. Give it a quick stir before spreading it into the batter.