There’s an undeniable magic that happens when classic flavors come together to create something truly extraordinary. In the culinary world, few combinations are as beloved and iconic as bananas and peanut butter. This dynamic duo takes center stage in our sensational Banana Cream Cheese Bread with Peanut Butter Streusel, a recipe that pays homage to legendary tastes while introducing delightful new textures.
For many, this pairing instantly evokes the image of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, whose famous love for peanut butter and banana sandwiches cemented this unique combination in popular culture. While our bread offers a more sophisticated spin, the spirit of that indulgent, comforting classic remains. We’ve elevated it with the lusciousness of cream cheese in the batter and a irresistible crunchy peanut butter streusel topping. Get ready to bake a loaf that’s fit for royalty – or at least, for your next family gathering or cozy morning coffee.
Explore More Delicious Banana Recipes
If you’re a fan of the humble banana in baked goods, you’re in for a treat! From simple delights to decadent creations, here are a few more banana-inspired recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Super Easy Banana Bread Recipe
- Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Peanut Butter Banana Bars
The Legendary Inspiration: Elvis Presley and His Favorite Sandwich
The culinary journey of banana and peanut butter is inextricably linked to Elvis Presley. The King was famously fond of a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, often with bacon added for an extra layer of savory crunch. This unconventional yet delicious combination became a signature dish, reflecting his larger-than-life persona and his taste for rich, comforting flavors. It’s no wonder this sweet and savory blend continues to captivate taste buds globally.
Our Banana Cream Cheese Bread with Peanut Butter Streusel takes that iconic flavor profile and transforms it into a delightful quick bread. Imagine the creamy texture of ripe bananas, the nutty depth of peanut butter, and a hint of something extra special, all baked into a moist, tender loaf. While we haven’t officially added bacon to *this* particular recipe, the thought has certainly crossed our minds! For adventurous bakers, a sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon could be an intriguing addition, pushing the boundaries of sweet and savory to full “Elvis mode.” It’s a fun concept that highlights the versatility of this flavor pairing.
The beauty of baking lies in constant experimentation and refinement. Even with a beloved recipe, there’s always room to rethink, to add a new twist, or to draw inspiration from unexpected sources. Whether it’s contemplating the inclusion of crispy bacon bits or simply perfecting the streusel, the creative process in the kitchen is a delightful, sometimes “vicious,” cycle of delicious ideas.
What Makes This Banana Bread Truly Exceptional?
This isn’t just another banana bread recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece thanks to two key elements: the cream cheese in the batter and the spectacular peanut butter streusel topping. Let’s delve into what makes this bread an absolute must-try:
The Velvety Secret: Cream Cheese in the Batter
The inclusion of cream cheese in the banana bread batter is a game-changer. It imbues the bread with an incredibly velvety, fluffy, and lush texture that sets it apart from traditional banana loaves. This secret ingredient ensures that every slice is moist, tender, and rich, melting in your mouth with each bite. The subtle tang of the cream cheese also perfectly balances the sweetness of the bananas, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is simply “to die for.”
The Crunchy Crown: Peanut Butter Streusel Perfection
Just when you think this bread couldn’t get any better, we introduce the irresistible Peanut Butter Streusel. Baked directly on top of the loaf, this streusel creates a crunchy, nutty crust that offers a delightful contrast to the soft interior. Imagine the flavor of rich peanut butter cookies scattered over your moist banana bread – that’s the kind of delectable experience this streusel delivers! It adds an extra layer of texture and a burst of peanut butter flavor that elevates the entire dish. If you prefer a simpler loaf, you can certainly omit the streusel, but trust us, it’s worth every crumb.
Customization and Variations: Make It Your Own
While this recipe is perfect as written, it also offers fantastic opportunities for customization. Feel free to experiment and make it uniquely yours:
- Nuts: Fold in a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for an added crunch and earthy flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Chocolate and banana are a classic pairing. Add a half-cup of semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet indulgence.
- Cinnamon Streusel: Not a peanut butter fan? Substitute the peanut butter in the streusel with an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, fragrant cinnamon streusel.
- Go Full Elvis: For the truly adventurous, consider adding crispy, crumbled bacon bits to the batter or sprinkling them over the streusel before baking. The savory crunch of bacon alongside the sweet banana and peanut butter is an unexpected delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients and get ready to create this incredible Banana Cream Cheese Bread. Precision is key for perfect results!
For the Peanut Butter Streusel:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (or peanut butter of choice) (Alternatively, substitute with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a Cinnamon Streusel.)
For the Banana Cream Cheese Bread:
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 (8 oz.) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed fully ripe bananas (approximately 3-4 medium bananas, pureed or mashed)
- 2 large eggs
How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Bread with Peanut Butter Streusel
Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding baking experience. Remember to read through all instructions before you begin!
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the Peanut Butter Streusel:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour and packed brown sugar. Whisk lightly to mix.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and peanut butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut in the butter and peanut butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small peas.
- For a finer crumble, transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag and gently “smoosh” to create more uniform crumbles. Alternatively, you can use a food processor by pulsing all streusel ingredients until crumbles form.
- Place the streusel mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the banana cream cheese bread batter. Chilling helps the streusel maintain its crunchy texture during baking and prevents it from melting into the bread.
For the Banana Cream Cheese Loaf:
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Grease and lightly flour the pan, or line it with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray for easy removal.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed.
- Pour the banana cream cheese batter into the prepared 9×5-inch baking pan. (If you prefer smaller loaves, you can divide the batter between two 8×4-inch pans.)
- Evenly sprinkle the chilled peanut butter streusel over the top of the banana batter. Gently pat the streusel down into the batter to help it adhere and prevent excessive crumbling when slicing the finished bread.
Baking Instructions:
- Bake for 45-55 minutes for a 9×5-inch loaf pan. If using smaller 8×4-inch pans, baking time will be closer to 30-40 minutes. For muffins, bake for 15-20 minutes.
- The bread is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling.
A Recipe That Wins Hearts
This Banana Cream Cheese Bread with Peanut Butter Streusel has a remarkable ability to win over even the most discerning palates. Take my husband, for example. He often claims he’s “not really a banana bread kind of guy,” yet I frequently discover evidence of his midnight snack raids, with several slices mysteriously disappearing while I’m asleep. He also insists he’s not a “peanut butter person,” but his hand somehow keeps finding its way into the cookie jar when there’s peanut butter stuff around. It seems this bread, and peanut butter in general, holds a special, undeniable allure, even for those who claim otherwise! You simply can’t fool the heart when it comes to delicious homemade treats.
If you’re looking for more banana bread creations, be sure to check out our other fantastic recipes. Whether you prefer a tropical twist or a chocolatey delight, there’s a banana bread for everyone:
- Tropical Bliss Pineapple Coconut Banana Bread {Gluten Free}
- Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Lovers Banana Bread
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Banana cream cheese bread with peanut butter streusel is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a delightful and surprisingly easy-to-make treat that offers layers of flavor and texture that will impress anyone. Not only is it a fantastic way to utilize those perfectly ripe bananas sitting on your counter, but it also provides an indulgent snack or dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply savoring all by yourself (we won’t tell!).
The velvety richness from the cream cheese, combined with the sweet banana base and the satisfying crunch of the peanut butter streusel, creates a truly unforgettable bread. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that dances on your palate, striking the perfect balance between comfort and decadence. With straightforward ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
Next time you’re searching for an impressive yet easy-to-master dessert or breakfast idea, look no further than this incredible banana cream cheese bread with peanut butter streusel recipe. It’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire, proving that some combinations are simply meant to be. As the saying goes, “If it tastes great and looks even better, then it must be banana cream cheese bread with peanut butter streusel!”
Here’s the full recipe breakdown for your convenience! Enjoy every delicious bite!
More Irresistible Banana Bread Options!
If you can’t get enough of banana bread, here are a few more fantastic recipes to add to your baking list:
- Mimi’s Honey Vanilla Banana Bread
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread
- Starbucks Copycat Lemon Loaf (Ok, not banana, but equally delicious quick bread!)
- Easy Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Banana Strawberry Walnut Bread
Excellent Banana Cream Cheese Bread
By Kim Lange
Cream cheese makes this classic banana bread unbelievably moist, fluffy, and light. The peanut butter streusel, with its delightful crunch, adds a rich texture to the banana bread, making it an undeniable favorite!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Recipe Details
- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 10 Servings
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Streusel
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or peanut butter of choice (can substitute 1 teaspoon cinnamon for Cinnamon Streusel)
Banana Cream Cheese Bread
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pkg. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, 8 oz., softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup mashed fully ripe bananas (3-4 bananas pureed or mashed)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peanut Butter Streusel
- Make streusel by combining the flour and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Cut in the butter and peanut butter with a pastry blender so the mixture starts to resemble small peas. Then place mixture in a ziplock bag and gently press to get crumbles. Place in fridge while you make the banana cream cheese bread. This helps the crumble from melting into the bread, giving it a crunchy texture. (Also can be made in a food processor by adding all peanut butter streusel ingredients and pulsing to get crumbles.)
Banana Cream Cheese Loaf
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease and lightly flour, or line with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a small bowl and set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese, softened butter, and sugar together in a large bowl until blended.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix into the mixture, then repeat for the second egg.
- Add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add mashed bananas and fold in.
- Transfer to the 9×5 baking pan, or 2 8×4 pans if you want smaller loaves.
- Sprinkle peanut butter streusel over the banana batter and pat down into the batter gently, to keep the streusel from crumbling a lot when slicing.
- Bake 45-55 minutes for a 9×5 pan. For muffins, bake 15-20 minutes.
- If necessary, shield the top with foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cooling
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes; then remove from pan to a wire rack.
- Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Keyword: banana, banana bread, bread, breakfast, brunch, cream cheese, peanut butter, quick bread, snack