Indulge in the comforting flavors of this irresistible Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing. This delightful bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a moist and flavorful treat. The addition of a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing elevates this classic banana bread, making it an unforgettable dessert or snack. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond milk and olive oil, this recipe offers a nutritious twist without compromising on taste. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This: This banana bread stands out with its moist texture and rich flavor, thanks to the combination of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla. The cream cheese icing adds a creamy, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the sweet and spiced bread. Using self-raising flour ensures a light and fluffy loaf, while the olive oil and almond milk provide a healthier alternative to traditional ingredients. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the sweetness and type of milk to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s easy to make and the perfect way to use up overripe bananas.
Perfect Occasion: This banana bread is perfect for a wide range of occasions. It makes a delicious breakfast or brunch option, providing a sweet start to your day. Serve it at family gatherings, tea parties, or as a comforting dessert after dinner. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks and picnics, where its moist texture and rich flavor will be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a homemade treat, this banana bread with cream cheese icing is a versatile and delightful choice.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the presentation and flavor of your banana bread, consider a few decorative touches. Arrange thin slices of banana on top of the bread before baking for an appealing look and added banana flavor. Once the bread is cooled and iced, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the top for a beautiful finish. You can also add a drizzle of honey or extra liquid sweetener for a touch of sweetness and shine. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, on top of the icing. These simple decorations will make your banana bread look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas (plus 1 extra for topping, optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey or liquid sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 bananas until smooth.
- Add the egg, almond milk, olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. If using, slice the extra banana and arrange the slices on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icing:
- 225 grams cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons liquid sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, liquid sweetener, and vanilla extract in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate the icing until the banana bread is completely cool.
- Spread the icing over the cooled banana bread.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon for added flavor and decoration.
Optional Decoration:
- Arrange thin slices of banana on top before baking for an attractive look.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the icing.
- Drizzle with honey or extra sweetener for a shiny finish.
- Add chopped nuts on top of the icing for a crunchy texture.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing!
Enjoy!