Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread Recipe

 

This banana bread is a showstopper. Moist, dense, and packed with ripe banana flavor, it hides a rich, tangy cream cheese filling that turns every slice into a layered delight. The top is golden and slightly crisp, often adorned with a banana slice for visual flair, while the inside remains soft and tender with a creamy ribbon running through the center.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. In your Sahiwal kitchen, Hassan, this could easily become a family favorite, especially for your husband who guards cakes like treasure. The cream cheese layer adds a cheesecake-like richness that elevates the humble banana bread into something truly special.

 INGREDIENTS:

Serves 8–10 slices

For the Banana Bread:

• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 200g cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

 INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat & Prep:

• Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
• Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Banana Bread Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
• Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using. Do not overmix.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
• Add sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and flour. Mix until creamy and lump-free.

4. Layer the Loaf:

• Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared pan.
• Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter and spread gently.
• Top with remaining banana batter, smoothing the surface.
• Optional: Place a thin banana slice lengthwise on top for decoration.

5. Bake:

• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the banana portion comes out clean.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
• Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

 NARRATIVE & VARIATIONS:

Your image shows a loaf that’s bakery-perfect—moist crumb, creamy center, and a golden top. In your recipe archive, Hassan, this deserves a place in the “Elevated Classics” section. It’s ideal for gifting, sharing, or freezing for later indulgence.

Variations:

• Add cardamom for a desi twist
• Use jaggery instead of brown sugar for depth
• Swap cream cheese with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a lighter filling