Are you craving a moist, decadent banana bread that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Philadelphia Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers, and delivers a delicious twist on a classic. Forget store-bought loaves – this homemade version is unbelievably better, offering a delightful tang from the cream cheese that perfectly complements the sweetness of ripe bananas. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner idea, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 4 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your banana bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
Cream Together Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Everything Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
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Gently fold in the mashed bananas and softened cream cheese. Again, avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
Bake and Cool:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes as ovens can vary.
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Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Overripe bananas are perfect!
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens up the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
This Philadelphia Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious and easy recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy meal option, a simple and satisfying homemade cooking experience. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a moist and flavorful banana bread. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).