Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make the Banana Bread Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
Stir in melted butter.
Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
Add flour and gently fold until just incorporated (do not overmix).
Assemble:
Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
Carefully pour the remaining banana bread batter on top and smooth out.
(Optional) Top with a halved banana for decoration.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the bread (but not the cream cheese layer) comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Cool & Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing for neat, creamy layers.
Would you like me to include a quick glaze or streusel topping to make it extra special?
