strawberry cream cheese banana bread

If you love quick breads that are soft, flavorful, and a little indulgent, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a must-try. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat anytime. The secret to this recipe’s amazing texture and flavor lies in the cream cheese, which adds moisture and a subtle tang, making each slice irresistibly soft. This recipe yields two generous loaves that are perfect for sharing or freezing for later.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, plus more for topping
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup overly ripe mashed bananas (approximately 2 medium)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh strawberries

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease two 8×5-inch loaf pans.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mixing just until evenly combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until evenly incorporated.
• Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
• Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of each loaf.
• Bake for 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Store leftover bread in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Slice the bread into thick or thin pieces depending on your preference.
• Serve slightly warm for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a comforting breakfast or snack.
• Spread a little butter, cream cheese, or nut butter on each slice for added indulgence.
• Use as a base for dessert toast by topping with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

Storage Tips:

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For longer storage, freeze the bread in airtight freezer-safe bags for up to three months.
• To enjoy frozen bread, thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Avoid leaving the bread at room temperature for more than two days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Banana Bread
   • Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter along with the strawberries.
   • The chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that pair perfectly with the fruit.
2. Strawberry Banana Nut Bread
   • Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the strawberries.
   • Adds a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruit and cream cheese.
3. Strawberry Banana Swirl Bread
   • Before baking, swirl 4 oz. of softened cream cheese mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar through the batter using a knife.
   • Creates a beautiful marbled effect and an extra layer of creamy richness.
4. Gluten-Free Version
   • Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
   • Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for structure; the bread will remain soft and moist.
5. Strawberry Banana Muffins
   • Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups instead of loaf pans.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   • Perfect for single servings or on-the-go breakfasts.
6. Strawberry Banana Bread with Oats
   • Replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of old-fashioned oats.
   • Adds a hearty texture and slight chewiness, making the bread more filling.
7. Vegan Strawberry Banana Bread
   • Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water) instead of eggs.
   • Bake as directed; bread will have a similar moist texture with a subtle vegan twist.
8. Lemon Strawberry Banana Bread
   • Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
   • Enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a bright, tangy note.
9. Cinnamon Swirl Strawberry Banana Bread
   • Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle between layers of batter in the pan, then swirl lightly.
   • Provides a warm, spiced flavor that complements the fruitiness of the bread.
10. Frozen Strawberry Banana Bread Slices
    • Slice the baked bread and freeze individual slices.
    • Toast or microwave slices directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack with minimal effort.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
2. Do I have to use cream cheese in this recipe?
   Cream cheese adds richness and moisture, but you can substitute with an equal amount of softened butter or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to maintain the bread’s structure.
4. How ripe should the bananas be?
   The riper, the better. Overly ripe bananas with brown spots are sweetest and make the bread more moist.
5. Can I make this bread into muffins?
   Absolutely. Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and bake for 20–25 minutes.
6. How long will this bread stay fresh?
   Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight wrap, it will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
7. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
   Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded in with the strawberries for added texture and flavor.
8. Do I need to preheat the oven?
   Yes, preheating to 350°F ensures even baking and proper rising.
9. Why is my bread turning out dense?
   Overmixing the batter can cause a dense texture. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
10. Can I add a glaze or frosting?
    Yes, a simple cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar drizzle complements the flavors without overpowering the bread.

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread is moist, tender, and bursting with fruity flavor. Perfect for gifting, enjoying with morning coffee, or serving as a dessert, it’s a versatile quick bread that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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