Recipe for Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sour cream or yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• 1 banana, sliced (optional)
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract.
   • Mix in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bread:
   • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
   • Gently spread the cream cheese filling over the batter layer.
   • Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
   • If desired, arrange banana slices on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
   • If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and enjoy the creamy, banana-flavored goodness!

This cream cheese-filled banana bread is moist, flavorful, and has a delightful surprise in the middle with the rich cream cheese layer. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat. Enjoy!