Decadent Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread
This luscious and indulgent banana nut bread, enriched with creamy cheese, toasted pecans, and topped with a zesty orange glaze, is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Submitted by Willie Monroe from Homewood, Alabama, this recipe was featured in the January edition of Southern Living. The bread has a deliciously moist texture and delightful crunch, making it a versatile quick bread option for any occasion.
10
Servings
550
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter, softened
3/4 cup
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sugar
2 cups
eggs
2 large
all-purpose flour
3 cups
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups (about 1 1/4 lbs. or 4 medium)
pecans, chopped and toasted
1 cup
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup
powdered sugar
1 cup
orange juice, fresh
3 tablespoons
orange rind, grated
1 teaspoon
brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup
pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted
1/2 cup
flour
1 tablespoon
butter, melted
1 tablespoon
ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Beat 3/4 cup softened butter and one 8-ounce package of cream cheese together at medium speed using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy.
3
Gradually add 2 cups of sugar to the mixture, beating until it becomes light and fluffy.
4
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating just until each is blended.
5
In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended.
7
Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas, 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
8
Spoon the batter evenly into two greased and floured 8 x 4-inch loaf pans.
9
Optional Toppings: Choose the Orange Pecan Topping or the Cinnamon-Crisp Topping and sprinkle the selected topping over the batter before baking.
10
Place the loaf pans in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If necessary, shield the bread with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
11
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes on wire racks.
12
Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and cool them for an additional 30 minutes on the wire racks before slicing.
13
For the Orange Pecan Topping: Mix 1 cup pecans, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon grated orange rind. Drizzle evenly over the warm bread after removing from the pans.
14
For the Cinnamon-Crisp Topping: Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter before baking.
Nutrition Information
31.5g
Fat
60g
Carbs
6.5g
Protein
3g
Fiber
40g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread?
It is a luscious and indulgent banana nut bread enriched with creamy cheese and toasted pecans, often topped with a zesty orange glaze or cinnamon-crisp topping.
Who submitted this banana bread recipe?
The recipe was submitted by Willie Monroe from Homewood, Alabama.
In which magazine was this recipe featured?
It was featured in the January edition of Southern Living.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 550 calories.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many loaf pans are needed and what size?
You will need two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans.
What are the primary fats used in the batter?
The batter uses 3/4 cup of softened butter and one 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
How many eggs are required for the bread?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs.
How much mashed banana is needed for this bread?
You need 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas, which is about 4 medium bananas.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses toasted pecans.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is used for this bread.
How long does the banana bread bake?
The bread takes about 1 hour to bake.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
It is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
How can I prevent the bread from browning too much?
If necessary, shield the bread with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
What is the cooling process for the bread?
Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes on wire racks, then remove from pans and cool for another 30 minutes before slicing.
What ingredients are in the Orange Pecan Topping?
The topping consists of 1 cup pecans, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon grated orange rind.
When should I apply the Orange Pecan Topping?
Drizzle the mixture evenly over the warm bread after removing it from the loaf pans.
What ingredients are in the Cinnamon-Crisp Topping?
It contains 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup pecans, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
When should the Cinnamon-Crisp Topping be applied?
Sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the pans before you put them in the oven to bake.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 31.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 60 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the bread?
Each serving provides 6.5 grams of protein.
How much sugar is in a serving of this bread?
There are 40 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain vanilla?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What leavening agents are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses both 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the fiber content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fiber.
Can this bread be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is considered a versatile quick bread perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What speed should the mixer be set to for creaming butter and cream cheese?
The butter and cream cheese should be beaten together at medium speed.