For the Banana Bread:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Set aside.
Make the Banana Bread Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
If using, fold in the poppy seeds.
Assemble the Bread:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it to cover the filling completely.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
Make sure the cream cheese is well softened to ensure a smooth filling.
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese Banana Bread!
