Decadent Cream Cheese Banana-Nut Loaf
This Decadent Cream Cheese Banana-Nut Loaf elevates traditional banana bread to a whole new level of indulgence. Rich, moist, and bursting with flavor, this treat features the delightful creaminess of reduced-fat cream cheese combined with sweet, ripe bananas and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch as your loved ones savor each slice of this heavenly loaf.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
sugar
2 cups
large eggs
2
all-purpose flour
3 cups
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
mashed bananas
1 1/2 cups (about 4 medium bananas)
chopped pecans
1 cup (toasted (optional))
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x5-inch loaf pans or four mini loaf pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
3
Gradually add the sugar to the butter mixture, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
6
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until blended. Be careful not to overmix.
7
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, optional toasted pecans, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. If the tops start to brown too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
10
Once baked, let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Cream Cheese Banana-Nut Loaf?
It is a rich, moist version of traditional banana bread elevated with cream cheese, sweet bananas, and toasted pecans.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the baking pans?
Grease and flour two 9x5-inch loaf pans or four mini loaf pans.
What is the first step in mixing the batter?
Beat softened butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
How do I incorporate the sugar?
Gradually add the sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, beating until it becomes light and fluffy.
How should eggs be added to the recipe?
Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
What are the dry ingredients required?
The dry ingredients include 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I combine the dry ingredients?
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl until well incorporated.
How should the dry mixture be added to the wet mixture?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until blended.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Avoiding overmixing ensures the loaf maintains a desirable moist and tender texture.
When do I add the mashed bananas?
Gently fold in the mashed bananas after the dry and wet mixtures are blended.
How many bananas are needed for this recipe?
You will need about 4 medium bananas to yield 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas.
Are pecans mandatory in this banana bread?
No, the 1 cup of chopped pecans is optional, though they add a delightful crunch.
Should the pecans be toasted?
Yes, toasting the pecans is recommended to enhance their flavor before folding them into the batter.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Fold the vanilla extract in at the same time as the mashed bananas and pecans.
How do I prepare the batter for baking?
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
Bake for approximately 1 hour in the preheated oven.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaves; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
What if the tops of the loaves brown too quickly?
Shield the tops with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if they are browning too fast.
How long should the loaves cool in the pan?
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them.
What is the final cooling step?
Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.
What kind of cream cheese should be used?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese; the description suggests reduced-fat.
Should the butter be softened or melted?
The butter should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the cream cheese.
What is the texture of this banana bread?
It is described as decadent, rich, and bursting with flavor with a moist crumb.
When is the best time to serve this loaf?
It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack.
Can this recipe be made in smaller pans?
Yes, you can use four mini loaf pans instead of two standard 9x5-inch pans.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
This recipe requires 2 large eggs.
How much sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sugar.
Should I serve the bread warm?
You can serve it either warm or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including optional pecans.