Description

Cream Cheese Banana Bread with Crumb Topping is a moist, tender, and slightly sweet banana bread that’s elevated with a creamy layer of rich cream cheese filling and a buttery, crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert, this bread is irresistibly flavorful and visually impressive. The addition of chocolate chips and pecans adds extra texture and indulgence. It’s a recipe that guarantees rave reviews from family and friends.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Streusel Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 Tablespoons melted butter
2 Teaspoons chopped pecans (optional)

Banana Bread Batter

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg white
1 cup mashed bananas (≈ 2 medium bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup miniature chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Filling

6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk

Vanilla Glaze

⅔ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4–5 teaspoons milk (or more if needed)

Instructions

1.Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine ½ cup flour, 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 Teaspoons chopped pecans.
Add 3 Tablespoons melted butter and whisk until coarse crumbs form.
Squeeze with your hands if the mixture is too sandy to create pea-sized clumps.
Set aside.

2. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat ⅓ cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for 2 minutes.
Add 1 egg, 1 egg white, 1 cup mashed bananas, and ½ cup sour cream; mix well.
Fold in the flour mixture gently; scrape the bottom to combine evenly without overmixing.
Mix in ¼ cup chocolate chips and ¼ cup chopped pecans. Set aside.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat 6 oz cream cheese, 3 Tablespoons sugar, 2 Tablespoons flour, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg yolk until smooth.
Set aside.

4. Assemble the Bread

Spread half of the banana batter in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Spoon cream cheese filling over the batter, keeping a small gap from the edges.
Spoon the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer and gently smooth.
Sprinkle streusel topping evenly on top.
Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

5. Make the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk ⅔ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 4–5 teaspoons milk until smooth.
Adjust milk 1 teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

Serving: Slice and serve warm for gooey cream cheese and banana flavor. Excellent with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.