This Cream Cheese Banana Bread Coffee Cake is the perfect mix of two favorites—moist banana bread and rich, crumbly coffee cake.
Plus, there’s a surprise layer of sweet cream cheese in the middle that makes it extra special. It’s soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor.
Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
What You’ll Need
For the Banana Bread Layer:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Pro Tips
- Use extra ripe bananas! The darker, the better—they make the bread extra sweet and moist.
- Room temp ingredients matter. Softened cream cheese and room-temp eggs blend smoother.
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until combined to keep the banana bread light and fluffy.
- Crumb topping tip: Use a fork to mix the butter into the flour and sugar for the best texture.
- Let it cool! The cream cheese layer needs time to set—cutting too soon can be messy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Measuring cups & spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Greek yogurt or sour cream for the cream cheese for a tangier filling.
- Use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Stir in chocolate chips to make it extra indulgent.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the loaf a day in advance—it tastes even better the next day!
- Store the unbaked crumb topping in the fridge for easy prep.
How to Make It
1. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Stir until smooth.
AI Image Prompt:
“A close-up shot of a white mixing bowl with mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, cracked eggs, and vanilla extract, all being stirred with a wooden spoon. White marble counters with hints of gold, all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.”
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Gently mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
6. Assemble the Coffee Cake
Pour half of the banana batter into a greased loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese layer over it, then top with the remaining banana batter. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temp for 2 days, covered.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Banana Bread Coffee Cake is a game-changer! It’s soft, sweet, and packed with flavor. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you need a cozy treat. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out—leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions. Happy baking! 🍌💕
