Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread

why make this recipe

Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweet flavors of strawberries and bananas with the rich creaminess of cream cheese. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. The addition of cream cheese makes it moist and adds a unique twist to traditional banana bread recipes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and fresh strawberries!

how to make Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter (softened)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup mashed bananas (approximately 2 large or 3 small)
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8.5×4.5×2.5" loaf pans, and set aside.
Cream the butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer. Gradually add the sugar, beating well to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter/cream cheese mixture, mixing just until combined. Add the vanilla and mashed bananas, mixing on low speed to incorporate. Fold in the strawberries just until they are fully incorporated into the batter.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour, shielding with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, until a cake tester inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
Remove the pans to a foil rack and cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes. Invert the bread directly onto racks to cool completely.

how to serve Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread

This delicious bread can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own or spread with a little butter. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack.

how to store Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread

To store leftover bread, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just slice it before freezing for easy serving later. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.

tips to make Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. This helps create a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter when adding the flour, as it can lead to a dense loaf.
Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberries or bananas to your liking.
Check doneness a few minutes before the hour mark, as oven temperatures can vary.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. Chocolate chips could also be a delicious addition if you love a sweet twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.

2. How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.

3. Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?
Yes! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin for about 20-25 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.