Luscious Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread
Indulge in this delightful Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread that combines the rich, creamy texture of reduced-fat cream cheese with the sweetness of very ripe bananas and the crunch of toasted pecans. Inspired by a Southern Living recipe, this moist bread is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat any time of day. The blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives it a hearty texture, while the buttermilk ensures it's incredibly tender. Bake up a batch to fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma, and enjoy it fresh or toasted with a pat of butter.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (divided)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
reduced-fat cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
sugar
1 cup
large eggs
2
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 very ripe bananas
1 1/2 cups ((about 4 medium bananas, 1 1/4 lb. unpeeled))
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread 3/4 cup of pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they're golden brown and fragrant.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and reduced-fat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Gradually add in the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Blend until just combined.
7
Gently fold in the mashed bananas, 3/4 cup of the toasted pecans, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
8
Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 8 x 4-inch loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of toasted pecans on top of the batter.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too much, shield the loaves with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
10
Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire racks for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
33g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luscious Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread?
It is a delightful, moist bread that combines reduced-fat cream cheese, very ripe bananas, and toasted pecans with a hearty blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
How many calories are in a serving of this banana bread?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
One serving of this banana bread contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this bread provide?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I toast the pecans?
Toast the pecans for 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway through until they are golden brown.
What type of cream cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of reduced-fat cream cheese, softened.
How should the butter and cream cheese be mixed?
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
What is the secret to the tender texture of this bread?
The use of buttermilk helps ensure the bread is incredibly tender.
How many loaf pans are needed for this recipe?
The batter should be divided evenly between two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do if the bread is browning too quickly in the oven?
If the loaves start to brown too much, shield them 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 pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before removing them.
How long should I wait before slicing the bread?
The loaves should cool completely on wire racks for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many bananas are required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of mashed very ripe bananas, which is about 4 medium bananas or 1 1/4 pounds unpeeled.
When do I add the toasted pecans to the batter?
Gently fold 3/4 cup of the toasted pecans into the batter along with the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Are pecans added to the top of the bread?
Yes, the remaining 1/2 cup of toasted pecans should be sprinkled on top of the batter before baking.
What are the leavening agents used in this bread?
The recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of each.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, added one at a time to the butter mixture.
What is the recommended way to mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour mixture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is folded into the batter at the end.
Can I use regular bananas instead of very ripe ones?
Very ripe bananas are recommended for the best sweetness and moisture level in the bread.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
This recipe was inspired by a Southern Living recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this banana bread.
How much salt is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Should the cream cheese be cold or room temperature?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture when beaten.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include banana bread, nut bread, cream cheese, pecans, healthy baking, and southern recipes.