Okay, you guys, let’s talk about banana bread… but better. This Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake is seriously next-level. I’m talking moist, banana-y goodness swirled with a tangy cream cheese filling, all topped with an oatmeal sprinkling of almonds. What is the best glaze for a If you’re like me and love the comforting taste of banana bread but crave something a little more exotic, then this is the recipe for you. Special, this is *it*. Think of it as the fancy cousin of your grandma’s banana bread, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. You’ll never look back. I made this for a Sunday brunch with my family, and it was gone in about 15 minutes! My kids inhaled it, and my husband declared it the best thing I’ve baked all year. Is his reaction alone worth it?
What is a cream cheese stuffed banana cake?
What is this magical creation? What is a banana bread batter? What is a banana cake? A rich, creamy filling made with Cream Cheese, sugar, and a hint of lemon. It’s essentially a banana bread imposter, designed to elevate an expected flavour profile. What makes this video even more interesting? The coffee cake element comes in with the sweet glaze that is generously poured over the top once again. The whole thing is a symphony of flavors and textures that just work beautifully together. Is it a little bit decadent, if not delicious? If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this is the perfect way to use them.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to eat this Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The sweetness of bananas, the tanginess of cream cheese, and the warm spice of cinnamon. What are some of the best ways to create a taste that’s both comforting and exciting? What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the “stuffed” part intimidate you. It’s much simpler than it looks. Is it cost effective? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Ripe bananas are practically free, and cream cheese is a relatively inexpensive addition. And the versatility! Can you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a cozy snack with coffee? Is it the perfect all rounder? I’ve made similar recipes before, like a Cinnamon Roll coffee cake, but this banana version blows it. How do you get out of the water? I just love the depth of flavor!
How do you make a cream cheese stuffed banana cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a masterpiece? How do you make a banana bread batter? Is it possible to bake a cake to golden perfection? The key is to not overmix the batter and to swirl the Cream Cheese filling evenly throughout the pan. What is the best way to start your journey with me? Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this. What makes this method extra special is the swirl effect. Is banana a bad thing?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light Brown Sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first, preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake won’t stick to the pan. What’s worse than a cake that doesn’t come out of the pan in one piece?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to whisk it well to distribute the baking soda evenly. I always sift flour too, it makes the cake lighter!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. What is the difference between the texture of a cake and the flavor?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake. I like to mix until I can still see a few streaks of flour, then stop. If you mashed bananas in a bowl, fold in the remaining ingredients until evenly distributed. Your batter will be thick and luscious.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside. Is it smooth and creamy? The lemon juice adds a little zing that really complements the sweetness of bananas. What are some ways to add cinnamon to the filling?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Half of the banana batter should be poured into a cake pan. Pour half into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Pour the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese filling. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese filling into the banana batter. Don’t overdo it – you want to create a nice marbled effect, not completely blend the two together.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it. I always start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake. I like to let the glaze drip down the sides for a really decadent look. How much milk can you add to a glaze?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is the best way to serve a cake warm or at room temperature? I like to serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Is it good with coffee or tea? Is it necessary to add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top?
What should I serve it with?
This Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake is pretty amazing on its own, but here are a few. What are some ideas to take it to the next level?
For Breakfast:Can you serve this with black coffee or a creamy latte? A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges, adds a refreshing contrast.
For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch staples, like scrambled eggs, bacon, and mimosas. Arrange it on a pretty platter with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
As Dessert:What’s the best way to serve ice cream with whipped cream? Is caramel sauce or chocolate syrup a good choice?
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk. Curl up on the couch with a good book and savor every bite. This is how I like to have this in my home.
My family tradition is to always have it with a big pot of coffee. The warm spice from the cake goes so well with coffee on a cozy sunday morning.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake
Want to take your Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Banana Prep: Use super ripe bananas. The browner, the better. They’re sweeter and more flavorful, and they mash up more easily. I often buy bananas specifically to let them get overly ripe for this recipe!
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined, then gently fold in the bananas. This will keep your cake light and airy.
Swirl Customization: Experiment with different swirling patterns. You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create your swirls. Get creative and have fun!
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier filling, but remember that it does drain a bit more so be sure to check for it.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Also, make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer is your best friend!
Glaze Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth. You can also use lemon juice instead of milk for a tangier glaze.
I find that letting the cake cool completely is best, otherwise the cream cheese can begin to lose its structure and run a bit more, even after baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake for days to come? Here’s how to store it:
Room Temperature: You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I actually like it cold sometimes!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it’s been thawed. The glaze can get a little sticky when frozen.
When reheating, I find that warming it in the oven at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes does wonders, as the cream cheese can become a bit stiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake recipe! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. What I love most about this cake is that it’s both comforting and special. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion. If you’re a fan of this recipe, you might also enjoy my chocolate chip banana bread or my cinnamon swirl coffee cake. They’re both equally delicious! Now go preheat that oven and get baking! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy baking!
Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the mashed bananas.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Top with the cream cheese mixture, then spread the remaining batter over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.