Banana Bread with Cheesecake Filling

Banana Bread with Cheesecake Filling

**Ingredients:**

– **For the Banana Bread:**
– 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– **For the Cheesecake Filling:**
– 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– **Optional Toppings:**
– Banana slices
– Chocolate spread or Nutella (for swirling, optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

2. **Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
– Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
– Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
– Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, and then stir in the flour until just incorporated. Set aside.

3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
– Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined and creamy.

4. **Assemble the Bread:**
– Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
– Spread the cheesecake filling over the banana bread batter layer.
– Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cheesecake filling.
– Optional: Drop spoonfuls of chocolate spread or Nutella on top and use a knife to swirl it through the batter.
– Place banana slices on top for decoration.

5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

6. **Cool and Serve:**
– Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Slice and enjoy!

This banana bread with a creamy cheesecake filling makes for a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy!