Fresh Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

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These Fresh Banana Cream Cheese Muffins are everything you didn’t know you needed in your baking life. Soft, moist banana muffins meet a luscious core of cream cheese filling, creating an irresistible combo of comforting fruit flavor and creamy decadence. The best part? Each bite gives you that dreamy banana bread texture with a cheesecake surprise right in the center.

They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings, packed lunches, or an afternoon snack that actually satisfies. That glossy banana slice on top not only adds charm but also signals the goodness inside. You’ll want to make a double batch—one for now, and one to freeze for when the next craving hits.

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What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the most flavor and natural sweetness. The riper the banana, the more intense the taste and softer the texture—ideal for creating a rich and moist muffin base.

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Ingredients for the Fresh Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

• Ripe Bananas: The star of the show. They bring moisture and natural sweetness, setting the flavor tone for the muffin.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the muffins while keeping them soft.
• Baking Soda: Helps the muffins rise for a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the banana.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness to the batter and helps the crumb stay tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses-like sweetness and helps with moisture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to both muffin and filling.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy surprise in the center. Softened to blend smoothly.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without grittiness.
• Banana Slices (optional): A decorative and tasty topping.

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How To Make the Fresh Banana Cream Cheese Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until completely smooth. Set aside or refrigerate while you make the muffin batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Mash your bananas in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix or the muffins may turn out dense.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins

Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each lined muffin cup. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of batter. If desired, press a banana slice gently on top of each muffin.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the center) comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store These Muffins

Serve these muffins warm for the best experience, with the cream cheese center slightly gooey. They make an indulgent breakfast with coffee or a sweet snack later in the day.

To store, let the muffins cool completely. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven to revive their soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

The best bananas are heavily speckled or even turning black on the outside. These are the sweetest and mash most smoothly.

Can I skip the cream cheese filling?

Yes, but it adds a creamy contrast that elevates the entire muffin. Without it, you’ll have a classic banana muffin—still delicious, just not as rich.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

You can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil, though butter offers a deeper flavor.

How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking?

Make sure to sandwich the cream cheese between layers of batter and avoid overfilling the cups.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Walnuts or mini chocolate chips blend well with the banana flavor.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Fresh Banana Cream Cheese Muffins, try these next:

• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for a zesty fruity twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for the easiest layered indulgence.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs when you want gooey, fudgy and fun.
• Southern Hummingbird Cake packed with banana, pineapple and spice.
• Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie for a nutty, no-bake dessert.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top it with nuts or go the extra mile with chocolate chips? Did your cream cheese stay centered?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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