The ultimate comfort treat, this Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread brings together the best of two worlds—moist, sweet banana bread and a luscious, tangy cream cheese center. Each slice is soft, tender, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and richness.
Whether you serve it warm with coffee in the morning or as a delightful dessert after dinner, this loaf delivers. The cream cheese layer doesn’t just sit on top—it’s baked right into the middle, creating a surprise swirl that makes every bite a little indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that’s destined to become a repeat favorite in your home.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Banana Bread:
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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1 large egg
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas. Add the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
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Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour for the cream cheese filling until smooth and creamy.
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Pour half the banana bread batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, then top with the remaining banana bread batter.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
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Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
There’s something timeless about banana bread. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home—a cozy, nostalgic treat that brings memories of family kitchens, afternoon snacks, and rainy day bakes. But when you add a luscious, tangy swirl of cream cheese to the center, banana bread transforms into something truly extraordinary. Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of hearty, moist banana bread and the indulgent richness of cheesecake, making it a perfect hybrid that hits all the right notes for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
What Makes This Banana Bread Special?
Traditional banana bread relies on overripe bananas to deliver flavor and moisture. That familiar sweetness, paired with soft texture and golden-brown crust, is what makes it such a favorite. This upgraded version keeps all of that charm but elevates it with a layer of cream cheese filling baked right into the center of the loaf. This filling doesn’t just add flavor—it introduces contrast in texture and richness that balances out the natural sweetness of the bananas.
What sets this apart from other banana breads is the element of surprise. The creamy center, slightly tangy and silky smooth, is tucked away like a hidden gem. It’s the bite that makes you pause and savor, bringing a dessert-like quality to what’s otherwise a humble loaf.
The Perfect Blend of Texture and Flavor
One of the key aspects that makes this recipe so enjoyable is its texture. The banana bread itself is incredibly moist, thanks to ingredients like mashed bananas, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and just the right amount of oil. This results in a soft and tender crumb that’s not too dense, yet rich enough to satisfy.
Then there’s the cream cheese layer: soft, creamy, and baked to perfection without being too heavy or runny. It has that slight tang that cream cheese lovers crave, giving a flavor contrast that cuts through the sweetness and rounds out each slice beautifully. When you combine the two in a single bite, the experience is nothing short of indulgent.
An Ideal Bake for Any Occasion
This banana bread is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s a fantastic option for weekend brunch spreads, baby showers, or tea parties, but it also works just as well for a simple morning coffee companion. Because of its richness, it also makes a great after-dinner treat. It stores well, slices beautifully, and even freezes nicely—meaning you can make it ahead and keep it on hand for guests, gifting, or personal indulgence.
And let’s not forget its aesthetic appeal. The cream cheese layer creates a beautiful marbled effect when sliced, which looks striking on a brunch table or dessert tray. It’s a bake that not only tastes great but also impresses visually.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure the best outcome, use overripe bananas. The blacker the peel, the better—they’ll yield more natural sweetness and contribute to the moist texture you want. Room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and egg for the filling, make mixing easier and help avoid lumps in the swirl.
When layering the batter and cream cheese filling, don’t worry about perfection. The layers will settle and bake into each other, creating a beautiful ripple effect that looks artisanal and inviting.
Keep an eye on your loaf during baking. Oven temperatures vary, so if the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.
Why People Love It
What makes this Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread so universally loved is the balance it strikes between familiar comfort and elevated indulgence. Banana bread on its own is warm, soft, and easy to love. Add cream cheese, and you’ve got something reminiscent of cheesecake, layered within that same cozy package.
It’s nostalgic and new at the same time, offering something unexpected in the center of what looks like a simple loaf. That first bite, when someone discovers the creamy swirl, is always the moment they fall in love.
Additionally, it’s a great recipe for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner baker looking for a straightforward yet impressive recipe or a seasoned home cook in search of a reliable crowd-pleaser, this loaf won’t let you down.
Healthier Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe leans more into the indulgent side, it can easily be adjusted to meet dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Use whole wheat flour for added fiber, swap out some of the sugar for honey or maple syrup, or go dairy-free with plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese.
You can also enhance the loaf with add-ins like chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon in the cream cheese swirl for an extra layer of warmth. For those who enjoy texture and contrast, a brown sugar crumble topping could also be added before baking for a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This banana bread is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. For breakfast, pair it with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For dessert, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
It’s also a wonderful addition to lunchboxes or a sweet surprise in a holiday care package. When sliced and individually wrapped, the pieces hold up well and make great on-the-go treats.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or up to a week if refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Filled Banana Bread is more than just a twist on a classic—it’s a bake that delivers comfort, flavor, and a bit of surprise in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen, perfect for when you want something familiar yet a little more special. Whether you’re making it to share with loved ones or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment!), this is one loaf that promises satisfaction from the very first slice to the last.
So next time your bananas go spotty and soft, skip the standard loaf and treat yourself to this creamy, dreamy banana bread variation. It’s worth every bite.