Cheesecake Banana Bread

The aroma of warm banana bread wafting through your kitchen conjures a feeling of comfort and indulgence. Cheesecake Banana Bread blends the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy richness of a cheesecake filling, creating a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. This delicious recipe takes about an hour to bake and works wonderfully due to the combination of moisture from the bananas and the tangy cream cheese.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a cozy, homemade treat to enjoy with family or friends. It’s perfect for a weekend baking project or as a delightful addition to brunch gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and store it for fresh servings throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy cheesecake filling adds a luxurious layer to the classic banana bread.
• It’s incredibly moist and bursting with banana flavor thanks to ripe bananas.
• Baking time is just about one hour, making it a quick and satisfying recipe.
• The textures of soft bread and smooth filling create a delightful contrast in each slice.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesecake Banana Bread:

For the Banana Bread

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the loaf pan
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the loaf pan
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk, divided
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (480 g / 17 oz)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg (remaining yolk from above)

Buttermilk can be substituted with milk plus vinegar or lemon juice.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil.
• All-purpose flour may be swapped for gluten-free flour.
• Sugar can be substituted with a sugar alternative.
• Ripe bananas can be substituted with applesauce.

How to Make It

Start your baking adventure with these steps.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and butter and flour a 9"x5" loaf pan.

Mash Bananas

Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl with a masher until smooth and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk. Mix until smooth and homogenous.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.

Make Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine the remaining egg, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until well blended and smooth.

Layer Batter and Filling

Transfer half of the banana bread batter to the prepared loaf pan. Dollop the cream cheese filling on top and smooth it into an even layer using a spatula. Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese filling, spreading evenly to cover.

Bake

Bake the banana bread for about 1 hour or until it’s deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, wrap in plastic for freshness.
Reheat: Microwave at medium power for 20-30 seconds.

Tips for Best Results

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
• Allow the bread to fully cool before slicing for neat servings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• Great for brunch alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.