Name: Cream Cheese Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup melted butter (plus more butter for pan); 1 1/2 cup flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 6 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 large egg; 1/3 cup sugar; 2 Tablespoons flour

By: Jill Mills Posted: Feb 15, 2026

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Cream Cheese Banana Bread features moist banana bread with a tangy cream cheese filling. It’s an easy way to elevate classic banana bread and takes just 10 minutes of prep!

Cream Cheese Banana Bread slices on a platter

Banana bread is one of my favorite ways to use ripe or overripe bananas. I’ve made several variations throughout the years, all stemming from my classic banana bread recipe. This cream cheese banana bread is one of my all-time favorite variations. The cheesecake-like filling in the center adds so much flavor and turns it into a true treat.

Why I Love This Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Feels like dessert. I am a firm believer that banana bread can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The cream cheese filling definitely gives this recipe dessert-like vibes, no matter when you eat it.
Uses ripe bananas. This bread is a great way to use up those bananas sitting on the counter that are just a day or two from going bad. (I know I’m not the only one who constantly overestimates how many bananas we need!)
Quick & easy. Even with the extra steps of adding the cream cheese filling, this bread requires just 10 minutes of hands on time. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake and cool!

Slices of cream cheese banana bread on a cutting board

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s an overview of the ingredients needed to make cream cheese banana bread. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Bread Mixture

Melted butter – Melted butter adds richness to the batter. You’ll also want some extra for greasing the pan.
Flour
Baking soda – Helps the banana bread rise in the oven.
Salt – Balances the sweet flavors.
Sugar
Sour cream – Adds moisture and a lightly tangy flavor to the bread.
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Bananas – As with any banana bread, ripe bananas are key here. A few brown spots is perfect. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bread.

Cream Cheese Mixture

Cream cheese – Softened, so that it’s easy to combine with the other ingredients.
Egg – Helps hold the mixture together.
Sugar – Balances the tangy cream cheese flavor.
Flour – Thickens the mixture.

How To Ripen Bananas

Craving bananas bread but don’t have any ripe bananas on hand? There are a few options!

Brown Paper Bag. Place the bananas in a brown bag and lightly close. Give it about 24 hours and your bananas should be ripe and ready to go.
Oven. Place the bananas (leaving the peel ON) on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until the peels become dark and a bit shiny. Allow them to cool before removing the peel.
Microwave. Use a fork, poke holes around the banana. Microwave in 30 second at a time until the banana is soft. This may take up to 2 minutes.

Close up of a loaf of cream cheese banana bread

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

This banana bread with cream cheese filling is so quick and easy to make! The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

Prep. Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray the loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Make the batter. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the bananas. Combine the wet and dry ingredients then fold in the mashed bananas.
Make the filling. Combine the egg, cream cheese, flour, and sugar until smooth.
Assemble. Transfer half of the batter into the pan. Dollop the filling on top, smoothing it with a spatula. Top with the remaining batter.
Bake. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few things to keep in mind while making this recipe.

Use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are key to banana bread! Overripe bananas with a few brown spots are even better. See above for suggestions on what to do if you only have green bananas.
Avoid overmixing. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, then adding the banana, stir just until there are no streaks of flour remaining.
Don’t overbake. The exact baking time will depend on the oven but I’ve found an hour is usually just right. To check it’s done, use a toothpick in the center. A little cream cheese on it is fine but the batter should be dry.
Cool before slicing. I highly recommend enjoying a slice of this warm but give it at least 10 minutes to cool first. Otherwise, the filling will just spill out when it’s sliced.

Proper Storage

Room temperature. Cream cheese banana bread can be stored at room temperature in airtight container for 3-4 days.
Fridge. For slightly longer storage, keep it in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Freezer. Allow the bread to cool completely then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost before slicing.

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Kathy Johnson

Feb 19, 2026 at 1:42 pm

Looks remarkable.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Why I Love This Cream Cheese Banana Bread