Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Bread: A Luscious Twist of Cheesecake in Every Slice!

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Bread Batter:

• 1 ½ cups (about 3 medium) mashed very ripe bananas

• 1 ¾ cups (219g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Art of Layering: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Marbled Masterpiece

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

Step 1: Create the Luscious Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat again until the mixture is creamy and lump-free. Set this aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spiced Banana Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

2. In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix!

Step 3: The Magical Assembly (The Secret to the Swirl!)

1. Pour half of the banana bread batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer.

2. Carefully spoon all of the cream cheese filling over this first layer, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Top with the remaining banana batter, spreading it gently to cover the cream cheese layer completely.

Step 4: Create the Signature Swirl
Take a thin knife or a wooden skewer. Insert it vertically into the batter and make several slow, wide “S” shapes or figure-8 patterns throughout the loaf. This will marble the two layers together beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the banana bread portion (not the cream cheese) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
*If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.*

Step 6: The Crucial Cool Down
This is vital for a clean slice! Let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cream cheese layer needs time to set, so patience is key!

Pro-Tips for a Flawless Loaf

• Room Temperature is KEY: Ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are all at room temperature. This ensures a smooth filling and a well-risen, even crumb.

• The Riper, The Better: Use bananas that are brown and spotty. They are sweeter and pack more banana flavor.

• Don’t Over-Swirl: A few elegant swirls are all you need. Over-mixing will cause the two layers to blend together and you’ll lose the defined marbling.

• Storage: Store any leftovers (if you have any!) covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s delicious cold, or you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 seconds.