Quick Description
This moist and delicious banana bread features a creamy cheese filling that elevates the flavor. With ripe bananas, fluffy cottage cheese, and a rich cream cheese swirl, this bread is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Banana Bread:
- 2 cups AL-P flour (sifted)
- 3-4 medium ripe bananas (very ripe)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp AL-P flour
Instructions
For the Banana Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the banana mixture: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Add banana mixture: Stir the mashed bananas into the wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add egg and sugar: Beat in the egg, sugar, and flour until well combined. This will form the creamy filling for your bread.
Assemble the Banana Bread:
- Layer the batter: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it out.
- Add the cream cheese filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining batter: Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese filling and gently spread it out.
- Swirl (optional): For a marbled effect, use a knife or toothpick to swirl the two batters together.
Bake the Banana Bread:
- Bake for 60-70 minutes: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 slice)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 15g
Benefits
- High in Protein: Thanks to the cream cheese filling and the addition of buttermilk, this banana bread is packed with protein.
- Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas and cream cheese filling make this bread extra moist and flavorful.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat or a delicious dessert.
Additional Notes
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be.
- Make it Dairy-Free: You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a dairy-free butter option.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Brief Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious twist on a classic banana bread recipe. The creamy cream cheese filling adds a rich, indulgent layer that will make this your new favorite baked treat. Perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven & prepare pan.
- Mash bananas and mix with wet ingredients.
- Combine dry ingredients and add to wet ingredients.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling and layer it in the bread.
- Swirl the batter and bake.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Bananas: Very ripe bananas work best for this recipe.
- Flour: You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for AL-P flour.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, but you can substitute with coconut oil if desired.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: Fold in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert!
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Make-Ahead: You can make this bread ahead of time and store it for later use. Itโs great for meal prep or as a snack.
FAQs
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
Optional Personal Story
Banana bread is one of my all-time favorite treats. This version with the creamy filling makes it extra special and perfect for any occasion. Itโs always a hit in my family!
Call-to-Action
Try this Cottage Cheese Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling for your next bake! Itโs indulgent, moist, and packed with flavor.