Cheesecake Stuffed Banana Bread

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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Banana slices
• Chocolate spread or Nutella (to swirl, optional)

Preparation

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
2. Stir in the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
3. Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then mix in the flour until just combined. Set aside.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined and creamy.

Assemble the Bread:

1. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Spread the cheesecake filling over the layer of banana bread batter.
3. Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cheesecake filling.
4. Optional: Drop spoonfuls of chocolate spread or Nutella on top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
5. Arrange banana slices on top for decoration.

Bake:

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

Cool and Serve:

1. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and enjoy!

Banana bread layered with creamy cheesecake makes a delicious side dish or parfait for a small meal or dessert. Enjoy!