Preparation:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick during baking.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, mixing everything together until smooth.

Step 4:

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy. This will form the luscious cream cheese filling that runs through the banana bread.

Step 5:

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the cream cheese mixture on top of the banana bread batter, spreading it evenly over the surface. Finally, pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese filling, ensuring it is fully covered.

Step 6:

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the bread should be golden and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.