There’s something magical about banana bread—it’s a humble, comforting classic that always seems to hit the spot, whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or sneaking a slice for a late-night treat. But this version? It’s not your average banana bread. This Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread takes everything we love about the traditional loaf and gives it a decadent, tangy twist with a rich cream cheese layer and bursts of sweet strawberries.

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Growing up, banana bread was a weekend staple in our house. Whenever bananas got too ripe, you knew a loaf was just around the corner. But the first time I tried adding cream cheese and strawberries? Game-changer. The strawberries bring a juicy brightness that balances the banana’s mellow sweetness, and the cream cheese filling adds this rich, almost cheesecake-like layer that makes every bite feel a little indulgent.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat all spring and summer—especially when strawberries are in season and you’ve got bananas browning on the counter. It’s perfect for brunch tables, potlucks, or just to have around for an anytime treat. It’s nostalgic and new at the same time, and that’s what makes it so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Ultra-moist and tender: Ripe bananas and juicy strawberries keep this bread wonderfully soft.
That cream cheese swirl: Think banana bread meets cheesecake—it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
A twist on tradition: The strawberries bring a fruity pop that sets this apart from your typical banana bread.
Perfect for spring & summer: A seasonal spin on a year-round favorite.
Freezer-friendly & great for gifting: Make one for now and one for later!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the bread:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries

For the cream cheese layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE STRAWBERRY BANANA BREAD:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. This step gives your bread that classic tender texture. You can do this with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, but good old-fashioned elbow grease works too.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla & Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Now, fold in the mashed bananas. The riper they are, the better—those brown speckles mean extra sweetness and moisture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so go easy here.

Step 5: Add Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. You want them evenly distributed, but try not to stir too much—fresh strawberries can get a little juicy.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and flour until smooth. This layer is what takes the bread to the next level.

Step 7: Layer It Up
Pour half the banana batter into the prepared pan, then spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Finish with the remaining banana batter. If you’re feeling fancy, use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t be alarmed if the top cracks a bit—that’s part of its rustic charm.

Step 9: Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use ripe bananas – The darker, the better. They’ll be easier to mash and add more natural sweetness.
Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined to avoid a tough loaf.
Chop strawberries small – Smaller pieces help distribute flavor and prevent sogginess.
Let it cool fully – The cream cheese layer needs time to set before slicing.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

You can substitute the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a slightly different flavor. For added texture, toss in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips. This bread also freezes beautifully—wrap it in plastic wrap and foil for best results.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Approximate per slice based on 10 slices)

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 220mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
You can, though it really does add something special. If you prefer a classic banana bread, simply leave it out.

How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—just not wet batter.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually for quick snacks or breakfast on-the-go.

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CONCLUSION

This Cream Cheese Strawberry Banana Bread is a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Whether you’re baking it for a spring brunch, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just to treat yourself, this bread is packed with love, flavor, and just the right touch of sweetness. Happy baking!