Decadent Banana Nut Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl
Indulge in this delightful twist on a classic southern treat! This deliciously moist Banana Nut Bread incorporates a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling, making it the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Willie Monroe in Homewood, Alabama, this updated version offers a lighter approach without sacrificing taste. An ideal companion for morning coffee or as a wholesome dessert, each slice bursts with the flavors of ripe bananas, toasty pecans, and a hint of vanilla. Share this bread at family gatherings or enjoy it as a comforting snack at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecans
1 1/4 cups (divided; 3/4 cup toasted and 1/4 cup chopped)
Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Reduced-fat Cream Cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Sugar
1 cup
Eggs
2 large
Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups
All-purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Buttermilk
1 cup
Mashed Ripe Bananas
1 1/2 cups (about 4 medium bananas)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (firmly packed)
Chopped Pecans
1/4 cup (not toasted)
Melted Butter
1 1/2 teaspoons
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread 3/4 cup of pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, toasted pecans, and vanilla extract until just combined.
7
Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
8
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and ground cinnamon to create the topping. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pans.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a long wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops begin to brown too much, cover with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.
10
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Banana Nut Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl?
It is a moist, flavorful twist on a classic southern treat that incorporates a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling and toasted pecans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the pecans be toasted?
The pecans should be toasted for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant.
What type of cream cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of softened reduced-fat cream cheese.
Can I use different types of flour?
This recipe uses a combination of 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour and 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How many bananas are needed for the bread?
You will need 1.5 cups of mashed ripe bananas, which is approximately 4 medium-sized bananas.
What are the leavening agents used in this bread?
The bread uses both 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much sugar is required for the batter?
The batter requires 1 cup of white sugar.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.25 cups of pecans, divided into toasted and untoasted portions.
What liquid is added to the batter?
One cup of buttermilk is mixed into the batter to ensure moisture.
How should the pans be prepared before baking?
You should grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans to prevent the bread from sticking.
What ingredients are in the cinnamon topping?
The topping consists of brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
How long does the banana bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately one hour.
How do I check if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a long wooden toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
What should I do if the bread browns too quickly?
If the tops brown too much, cover the pans with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
How long should the bread cool in the pans?
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pans for 10 minutes before moving them to wire racks.
What is the total cooling time on the wire racks?
The bread should cool for an additional 30 minutes on wire racks to cool completely.
Is the butter softened or melted for the batter?
The 1/4 cup of butter used in the main batter should be softened.
How much vanilla extract is included?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
When do I add the eggs?
Add the eggs one at a time after creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar.
Is the brown sugar used in the batter or the topping?
The 1/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar is used specifically for the cinnamon topping.
How should the pecans for the topping be prepared?
The topping uses 1/4 cup of chopped pecans that are not toasted.
What is the mixing method for the dry ingredients?
Dry ingredients should be whisked together and then added alternately with the buttermilk.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes two 8x4 inch loaves of banana bread.
Who was the original inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Willie Monroe from Homewood, Alabama.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer on medium speed is recommended for beating the butter and cream cheese.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredient mixture.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the topping.
Is this recipe a dessert or a breakfast item?
It is versatile and can be served as a companion for morning coffee or as a wholesome dessert.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients used in this banana bread recipe.