Table of Contents

We’ve talked about our love for non-yeast bread recipes before – it runs deep! We especially love all versions of banana bread.

Mom found this tasty version that’s similar to our favorite but with a few modifications (upgrades if you will). Cream cheese banana bread has a sweet and tangy cream cheese layer swirled in the center. The added creaminess is the PERFECT addition.

To top it all off, we added a cinnamon and sugar crust! It’s definitely a new favorite with some next-level deliciousness. Best yet, it’s just as simple as our other sweet breads!

If you love banana bread, you’ll want to try this cream cheese stuffed version! Check out Moist Banana Bread, Chocolate Banana Bread, and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread for more tasty variations.

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Extra sweet. Topped with cinnamon and sugar, it has a deliciously sweet crust.
  • Cream cheese filling. Tangy and sweet, the cream cheese swirl is what makes this banana bread next level!
  • Still no yeast. Quick breads are simple and sweet, and this cream cheese banana bread is no different.
Eggs, bananas, sugar, flour, and other ingredients on a kitchen counter.

Cream Cheese Banana Bread Ingredients and Substitutions

Bread

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened see How to Soften Butter Quickly
  • 2 eggs – room temperature
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed – see How to Ripen Bananas
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream – or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – see How to Measure Flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8-10 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • optional topping Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the batter before baking.
Save This Recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

How to Make Cream Cheese Banana Bread

  1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 9×5-inch bread pans with cooking spray.
  2. BATTER. In a large bowl use an electric mixer to mix sugar, softened butter, and eggs. In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda in sour cream and add it to the sugar mixture. Mix in 3 mashed bananas.
    • Mix in salt, and flour. Stir to combine.
    • Divide the batter into 2 bowls. Take the batter from the first bowl and pour it evenly into TWO 9×5-inch loaf pans.
  3. CREAM CHEESE FILLING. In a medium mixing bowl mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour until smooth and creamy. Layer evenly over the mixture in both bread pans.
    • Divide the batter from the second bowl evenly in both pans, covering the layer of cream cheese.
  4. BAKE. Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon of sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon before baking for 50 minutes. Cool for a few minutes in the pan, then place on a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Make Different Sizes

Mini loaves. Separate the batter into two bowls. Divide the batter from one bowl into the mini pans. Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture and the remaining banana bread batter between the pans. Bake for about 30-35 minutes.

Muffins. Separate the batter into two bowls. Divide the batter from one bowl into the cupcake tins filling each tin about ¼ of the way. Next, put the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag to make it easier to add to each muffin. Add an even amount of the cream cheese mixture into the tins and then top that with the remaining batter. Bake for about 25 minutes. 

Bundt pans. Pour half the batter into a well-greased bundt pan. Spread on the cream cheese layer and top off with the remaining batter. Bake for closer to 1 hour. 

Cream cheese banana bread in the center of sliced bread.
4.97 from 55 votes

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Our no-yeast cream cheese banana bread is a delicious twist on a classic with a sweet and tangy center and cinnamon sugar crust.
Servings: 2 loaves
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8-10 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray two 9×5-inch bread pans with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix sugar, butter, and eggs. In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda in sour cream and add it to the sugar mixture. Add bananas, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir until combined.
  • Divide the batter into 2 bowls. Now take the batter from the first bowl and pour it evenly into two bread pans.
  • Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Layer evenly over the mixture in both bread pans.
  • Divide the batter from the second bowl evenly in both pans, covering the layer of cream cheese.
  • Sprinkle top with 1 tablespoon of sugar mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon before baking.
  • Bake for 50 min. Cool and serve.

Video

Notes

Mini loaves. Divide and layer the batter and cream cheese into 4-5 mini loaf pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. 
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to a week or wrap it tightly with plastic and again with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 2102kcal, Carbohydrates: 284g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 97g, Saturated Fat: 56g, Cholesterol: 504mg, Sodium: 2679mg, Potassium: 1048mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 165g, Vitamin A: 3560IU, Vitamin C: 15.4mg, Calcium: 222mg, Iron: 8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

Store in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to a week or wrap it tightly with plastic and again with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Leftovers would make delicious French Toast or even French Toast Casserole.

This recipe was originally published March 2014.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

Get my cookbook!

My cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes with videos, tips & more!

4.97 from 55 votes (28 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




117 Comments

  1. america says:

    5 stars
    i made this for my family because we had some very ripe bananas that needed using and it didn’t make it out of the oven for more than 24 hours! we absolutely demolished this banana bread! i gave some to my friend and she loved it too. definitely will be making again.

  2. DUSTY DENKER says:

    Hello, I just came across this recipe and it looks delicious! I wanted to make it tomorrow however, I do not have unsalted butter….can regular butter be used?
    Thank you in advance.

    Debbie

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes, you can use salted butter too. You may want to cut back a little bit on the salt if you use regular salted butter. But even if not, it should still turn out tasty!

  3. Cris says:

    The bread is a hit with my Family. Should I refrigerate left overs ?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      It will last longer if you do. It should last a day or two on the counter, but can last up to a week in the fridge.

  4. Judy Stenholm says:

    5 stars
    I made the cream cheese banana bread and my husband loves it,says it’s the best he’s ever had.Thank you

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome! I’m glad the bread was a hit!

  5. Linda Fewkes says:

    This sounds delcious thanks

  6. Shirley Denham says:

    5 stars
    Banana bread with cream cheese filling is excellent I have made it 2 times it’s delicious thank you for the recipe

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome!!

      1. Shelley Furcsik says:

        Could u do this with zucchini I stead of banana?

      2. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Yes, I’m sure you could!

  7. Kathy says:

    Are the nutrition facts correct. 2105 calories per serving? If so, I would never make and eat this eve

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      That would be the calories for the whole recipe (2 loaves), not just one serving.

  8. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    We love banana bread and with the cream cheese even better! Not hard to make and you will love the taste.

  9. Sue says:

    5 stars
    Banana bread is a family favorite and I’m glad I came across this recipe. The cream cheese center took it to a new level. So good!

  10. David Morgan says:

    5 stars
    I love your recipes. After my wife left years back I had to teenage boys to raise and feed. I could cook some but since then I have become quite experienced. Your Turkey Tetrazzini and and Italian Sausage Pasta are two of our favorites.

    A question. Do you think a Bundt pan instead of two loaf pans would work?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh thank you! I’m so glad the recipes are a hit with your family. For the banana bread, you could give it a try! I haven’t made it in a bundt pan, but you could certainly try! I suppose it would work just fine. You’ll have to let us know how it turns out.

  11. Jo says:

    Where are directions for the cream cheese?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Hi Jo! It looks like we need to update the recipe card. Thanks for catching that. If you read up in the post, the instructions for the cream cheese are there. We’ll get that card at the bottom updated too. Thanks!

  12. ann says:

    this recipe sounds yummy But is reported as over 2000 calories per serving what is a serving? A slice or the whole loaf?
    please let me know

  13. AL says:

    4 stars
    OK first off the Nutrition Facts for this can’t be correct , Amount Per Serving, (what is the serving both loaves),
    Calories 2102
    Fat 97g 149%
    Saturated Fat 56g 350%
    Cholesterol 504mg 168%
    Sodium 2679mg 116%

    It came out good even though I rushed this one and messed up some, only used 2 bananas and forgot the flour in the Cream Cheese Mixture. also did not use the sugar and cinnamon.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      The nutrition facts would be for the recipe as a whole. Glad to hear the recipe still turned out well for you!

  14. Carly Andrews says:

    5 stars
    This was easy and fantastic. My family devoured it!

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Easy and delicious are two of my favorite words! 🙂

  15. Vanessa C. says:

    5 stars
    Really really love this recipe!! Such a nice combination of banana bread and cream cheese. Thanks for a great and tasty recipe 🙂

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! One of my faves for sure! 🙂

  16. Rachell says:

    5 stars
    This bread makes all my banana bread dream come true. I get rave reviews every time I make it. Thanks for always making me look good in the kitchen 😂 and helping me create a space my family wants to be ❤️

  17. Tiffany Kempton says:

    5 stars
    I was looking for a variation of my go-to banana bread, and this was super easy and delicious!

  18. Shanna Morrill says:

    5 stars
    This is one of the first things I made as a newlywed and it helped me feel confident in the kitchen! 😃 So easy and yummy!!

  19. Patty S. says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe as 15 muffins. They are delectable! I think I found my favorite banana muffin recipe.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yay!! Happy to hear that! Thank you!

  20. colleen wagner says:

    5 stars
    Oh My Goodness – this bRead is amazing!! every recipe we have tried has been so good, and this one is no different. Was thinking I would give the second loaf to a friend but I’m afraid my family is gobbling the first loaf up before it even cools. Next time I’ll make 4 loafs so I can share LOL

  21. Charity says:

    5 stars
    Ive made this, and its so good! Better than the other recipe i always use.

    Can i use brown sugar instead of white? As we don’t always use white sugar. And we like brown sugar than white.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      That makes me happy to hear! I personally have not tried, but I am sure brown sugar can be used. You’ll have to let me know if you try!

  22. Willow says:

    5 stars
    Do you have to store it in the fridge Or can you leave it out?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I usually leave it out, but you can put store in the fridge.

  23. Karmen says:

    5 stars
    I have a quesTIon. Does the filling supposed to be actual Thick filling like in Other dEsserts or baked ?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      It is still thick & creamy 🙂

  24. Johnette says:

    How would you cOnvert this tO gluten free?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You would need to substitute the flour, but I am not what other ingredients. I’m not too familiar with the gluten diet, other than the flour.

  25. laura says:

    I would just like to know do we bake both pans at the same time>? this is why it takes 50 mins?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, you bake them both at the same time 🙂

  26. MAGGIE DEAN says:

    Why the very high calorie count per serving?

  27. Ashley Elliott says:

    Does using frozen bananas effect the bread at all?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I would let them thaw out first 😉

    2. Sunshine baker says:

      No it dOes not affect the taste or texture of the bread.

  28. Flo de Guzman says:

    This bread is soooo good! My hubby absolutely loved it cause of the cream cheese swirl! I especially love the cinnamon-sugar topping.
    I did make a couple of changes for my tastebuds (hope you don’t mind), I substituted 1/2 c brown sugar and 1/2 c white sugar for the 1C of sugar, & added 1 tsp of vanilla.
    This will definitely be added to my bake-often list! Thank you!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Of course, I don’t mind 🙂 That’s what baking or cooking is all about. I am so glad your hubby liked it! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂

  29. Sunshine baker says:

    4 stars
    It was very moist and has a nice flavor with the cinnamon sugar topping and the cream cheese layer. Next time I would reduce the sugar a bit though as it was too sweet for us.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you for trying it! Yes, you definitely could take some out 🙂

  30. Sharon says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe. I added 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. I didn’t have 2 loaf pans so I used a bundt pan instead. Baked at 350 for 40 minutes. Added a quick glaze of powdered sugar,milk and vanilla extract after baking. Then, sprinkled the top with more chopped walnuts. Delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      That works too! Thank you for sharing! I am so glad you liked it!

  31. Alaina says:

    is the butter unsalted or salted in the recipe?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I like to use unsalted 🙂

  32. Channy says:

    5 stars
    I make your recipe all the time. It’s so good!! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Awe, thank you so much!!! Glad you like it!!

  33. Mark says:

    Can’t follow this. Can’t divide into two parts, split into 2 pans, and pour “remaining batter on cream cheese… There is nO remaining batter! From comments, I am not the only person confounded, I don’t see a yield explaining two loaves, what gives? So we are making one loaf and hoping for the best. Looks and sounds delicious!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You divide 1/2 the batter into 2, then pour the remaining batter over the top 🙂 Hope you like it!

  34. sharyn says:

    My banana bread is in the oven right now. I have no loaf pans so baked bread in a bundt pan. My question to you is: do I cool in the bundt pan or ??

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Nothing wrong with that 🙂 I would let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then I like to cool mine on the counter 🙂 Hope you liked it!

  35. Alice says:

    I made this and it was wonderful we put caramel sauce over our slice and it was banging
    Thank you for the recipe

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yay!! Thank you so much & caramel sounds yum!

  36. Erin says:

    5 stars
    Made this a few weeks ago and LOVED it, so I have made it several times since. My family can’t get enough of it! I think they are purposely NOT eating bananas so I make it 🙂 Wondering if you have tried any other types of breads with this? Has anyone tried a pumpkin cream cheese bread?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I haven’t. I have other pumpkin bread recipes, but I haven’t tried this same one, with pumpkin. I bet it would be delicious though!

  37. Ginny says:

    Saw this on Pinterest and had to try it. Turned out exactly as pictured. Tastes amazing, soft texture, and the house smells like goodness! Thanks! Will definitely have to try another one of your recipes.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I am so glad!! Thank you so much & I hope you do!

      1. Connie Otto says:

        5 stars
        I used one regular size loaf pan and it turned out great delicious.
        I also added some chocolate chips. Yum.

  38. Liz says:

    5 stars
    I made this for my BFF and hubby when they visited. They loved it and so did we!!! Making them their own loaf for their anniversary so they don’t have to share!!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Oh, I am so glad!! Thank you for sharing that!

  39. Patyy klein says:

    In the oven now used to smaller pans hope it doesn’t run over

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      How did it turn out? I hope they were ok and that you liked them!! Thanks for giving them a try!

  40. Valerie Pohlman says:

    5 stars
    Ok, going to try to do some muffins! Have you tried this and did it work?
    Perfect recipe, by the way! I’ve been looking for a cream cheese filled banana bread recipe for a while now, and this is awesome!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I haven’t done them as muffins yet, but I’d love to know how they turn out!! Thank you so much!

  41. Patricia says:

    I have the small loaf pans. If I use them instead, do I turn the temperature down? Or bake for less time?

    Or, if I use a bundt pan, do I adjust the time and temperature?

  42. Cher Russell says:

    Made this cinnamon covered banana bread recipe and found the directions to be incomplete. What size loaf pans, how is half of the batter divided into four ” as in put 1/2 of the batter into two loaf pans add cream cheese mix and cover with the other half.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      They are just regular size loaf pans. You divide the batter in half and pour it between 2 loaf pans, add your cream cheese mixture, then pour the remaining batter on top of the two loafs. So, in a way it’s divided into four. Hope that helps and makes sense 🙂

  43. Channy says:

    5 stars
    My bread came out exactly like yours is pictured. It was delicious and we had no left overs. Thank you for this recipe, I will be making this for years to come!!

    1. Channy says:

      5 stars
      sorry I meant to click five stars not four lol

      1. Lil' Luna says:

        Haha..thanks so much!!!

    2. Lil' Luna says:

      So glad to hear that!! I’m glad you found a recipe to make for a long time! Thank you for sharing!!

  44. Jess says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made this recipe twice before the last time, my husband took the second loaf to work to share with his coworkers. Seems to have been a huge hit- he’s been bombarded with requests to bring it in again almost every day in the two weeks since then. I followed the recipe exactly, except I added a touch of butter and brown sugar to the top about 5 min before I pulled it it out of the oven. It’s perfection either way!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Oh, that sounds like a great addition to the top!! That’s the thing, when you find a great recipe…you get asked to make it a lot:) It’s better than it being a flop, right?!:) Thanks so much for sharing!!

  45. Branwolkmuffin says:

    Made this recipe as written with the exception of using whole wheat flour. It turned out great! The cinnasugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness. I was going to give the 2nd loaf to some friends, but my hubby wants it all to himself, lol!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      LOL!! You’ll just have to make more:) Thanks for letting me know!

  46. Kaylah says:

    This looks so good and sounds so easy! I might just have to give it a go today if time allows. Just wondering, you said divide into two pans. What size loaf pans did you use?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yes, you will divide the batter into two regular size loaf pans. This is an easy recipe and it is so yummy!! Hope you like it and let me know what you think! Thanks!!

  47. Molly says:

    This looks delicious! Am I reading the recipe correctly? 80 oz. of cream cheese?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It’s 8 to 10 ounces, depending on how much cream cheese you like:) Let me know if you try this recipe!! It’s super good!

  48. Nora says:

    Love banana bread , made this today, was getting tired of just plain bread, don’t care for nuts. Can it be frozen?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      We love banana bread too! I haven’t tried freezing it…it’s gone before I have that option:) If you do, I’d love to know how it is, after it’s been frozen. Thank you!

  49. Wanda says:

    Can u use margarine instead of butter?… I know butter is better.. But I forgot it at the g-store… I have margarine… If so how much

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You can use margarine and it should be the same amount, but I definitely recommend using butter. 😉

  50. Kathy says:

    Oh this is sooo good. I didn’t realize it was for 2 loafs until I had the cream cheese filling pour on top of the first layer. My fault completely all info was in the recipe. I just read over them.

    I knew it was to late to back up or pour into another pan so I just continued with adding all the cream cheese mixture then the rest of the batter.. The 9×5 bread pan was almost filled to the top, lacking about an inch from batter being a the top.

    I turned the oven to 345 and checked every few minutes to see if it rose over the edge but it never did.I cooked for about 1 hr. To my delight it turned out okay. Not only okay but delicious!!! Hubby took a few pieces to share at break to work and they all raved about it

    It was so good I think I will do it that way again but still might try the two loaf.What size loaf pans did you use?

    Kathy

  51. Ashley Smith says:

    I love your baking tips I am a young baker but i like to get tips for you

  52. Marilyn says:

    what size loaf pans do you use for 2 loaves?

  53. Arzu Ayla says:

    Made it today, turned out so good, half of the cake was gone before i had a chance to sprinkle some powder sugar on it. My boys loved them 🙂 here are the changes I made. I used two large bananas instead. I substituted sour cream for plain yogurt. And I totally skipped the sugar topping. It was just yummmyyy. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Arzu Ayla says:

      I wish I can send a picture of it, but can’t attache it…

    2. Arzu Ayla says:

      Oh I forgot to mention it… I used one bunt cake pan, not the loaf ones :)))))

      1. Ariane says:

        Hi! I usually use a bundt pan too bc I don’t have 2 loaf pans. Did u book for double the time? I find that’s usually the case with other bread recipes I’ve tried like this. Thanks!

    3. Lil' Luna says:

      SO glad you made this and liked it. It’s one of my “go-to” recipes when I have some over-ripe bananas on the counter. 😉 Have a great day!

  54. Vanessa says:

    Just made this tonight and it’s delicious! Simple, easy and so freaking good 🙂

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      YAY! That cream cheese layer is amazing, huh?!

  55. Mira says:

    I’ve been looking for a good recipe for cream cheese filled banana bread and this sounds perfect! I love making banana bread with sour cream, it just tastes better. I’ll try this recipe pretty soon!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Would love to know if you’ve tried this yet. Making some today – it’s the hubby’s favorite!!

  56. Kirsten says:

    Just wanted to double check that is does yield two loaves?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yes – two loaves. 😉

  57. Brooke says:

    Does this have to be stored in the fridge after baking because of the cream cheese?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yes, I didn’t note that above because it’s never lasted more than a day in our home! 😉

  58. Nicole says:

    Can we leave out the sour cream?

    1. rah rah says:

      a commenter below used plain yogurt in lieu of sour cream, but just a gander that you can’t entirely leave it out

  59. Rachel Rose says:

    this banan bread looks delicious. I will make it this weekend thanks for sharing

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Let me know how it goes – it’s so delicious!

  60. Rebecca+Cooper says:

    Looks delicious….we’re big banana bread fans around here so we’ll have to try this recipe! 🙂

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You’ll love it, Rebecca!! The added cream cheese makes it even more delicious. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  61. Kristyn Merkley says:

    You definitely could 🙂 That would be so good!