STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE BANANA BREAD (2023)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that can be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert. The perfect banana bread recipe for using up those over-ripe bananas!

We love banana bread. I think we have made over a dozen variations on this popular treat, including Pineapple Banana Bread and our popular Vanilla Pudding Banana Bread. There are so many ways to enjoy banana bread, but I really think this new recipe might be my new favorite!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread

This delicious quick bread is made with mashed bananas, cream cheese and diced strawberries, along with a few basic ingredients like sugar, butter and eggs. The cream cheese adds so much moisture and richness to the bread! The recipe makes 2 loaves of delicious banana bread.

Ingredients in Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread

When it comes to making Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread, there are a few key ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. This recipe calls for a combination of wet and dry ingredients, which are listed below.

Wet Ingredients

The wet ingredients in this recipe are what give the bread its moisture and richness. They include:

• Butter: Softened to room temperature, the butter in this recipe adds flavor and richness to the bread.
• Cream Cheese: Also softened to room temperature, the cream cheese gives the bread a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Used to sweeten the bread, sugar is a key ingredient that helps to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese and the acidity of the strawberries.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten, the eggs in this recipe help to bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract is added to the wet ingredients to give the bread a warm, comforting flavor.
• Bananas: Mashed and added to the wet ingredients, bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.

Dry Ingredients

The dry ingredients in this recipe are what give the bread its structure and texture. They include:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is used in this recipe to give the bread its structure and to help it rise.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the bread to rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Powder: Like baking soda, baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the bread to rise.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is added to the recipe to enhance the flavor of the bread.
• Strawberries: Chopped and folded into the batter, strawberries add a burst of sweetness and tanginess to the bread.

Overall, the combination of these wet and dry ingredients creates a deliciously moist and flavorful bread that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

How to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Preparing Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare this delicious bread:

Preheat Oven

Before starting, preheat the oven to 350° and grease two loaf pans (8X5) with cooking spray or butter.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, and mix for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

Pour Batter into Loaf Pans

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top.

Bake

Bake the loaves for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each loaf comes out clean.

Cool

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the loaves from the pans and continue cooling on the wire racks until completely cooled.

Tips and Variations for making Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips

For those who like a little extra crunch or sweetness, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well, and can be added in the same amount as the strawberries. Chocolate chips can be added in a similar amount, or to taste, depending on how much chocolate flavor is desired.

Substituting Ingredients

This recipe is quite versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. For a healthier version, swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Alternatively, replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Making Muffins Instead

If you prefer smaller portions, or want to make a more portable snack, this recipe can easily be turned into muffins. Simply spoon the batter into muffin cups lined with paper liners, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Freezing and Reheating

This banana bread freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply remove from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, wrap it in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

How long will Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread stay fresh?

Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. After that, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it on the counter for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute other fruits for the strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute other fruits for the strawberries in this recipe. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches would all be delicious options. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness of the bread may vary depending on the fruit you use.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Simply thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding to the batter. Keep in mind that the bread may take a few extra minutes to bake due to the added moisture from the frozen fruit.

Can I use a different type of flour?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can use other types of flour if you prefer. Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend would both work well. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the bread may be slightly different depending on the type of flour you use.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe contains butter, cream cheese, and eggs, so it is not vegan as written. However, you could experiment with vegan substitutes such as vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and flax eggs to make a vegan version of this bread. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different with these substitutions.

Love bananas? Try these other delicious Banana recipes!

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bars
• Sour Cream Banana Bread
• Banana Split Pie
• Banana Orange Bars
• Blueberry Banana Cookies
• Double Chocolate Banana Bars
• Frosted Banana Cake
• Banana Pudding Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Cookies
• Banana Cream Pie Muddy Buddies
• Banana Split Cupcakes
• Zucchini Banana Bread
• Banana Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
• No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Fudge Bars
• Strawberry Banana Bars
• Banana Cream Pie Cookies
• Banana Cream Fluff Salad

Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a delicious variation on the traditional banana bread recipe. Use ripe bananas and fresh strawberries to make this simple quick bread recipe!