Description
This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and flavorful twist on traditional banana bread. Featuring luscious swirls of tangy cream cheese and warm cinnamon ribbons, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread provides a tender crumb and bakery-style indulgence using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Bread Batter
- 3 overripe bananas, peeled
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz softened cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar layer)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar layer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the tangy, luscious swirl center in the banana bread.
- Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky. Add melted butter, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup sugar. Mix well to combine all wet components thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
- Mix Wet and Dry Components: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana batter, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.
- Assemble the Swirl: Pour half the banana batter into a greased loaf pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture on top in small spoonfuls. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) over the cream cheese. Repeat with the remaining banana batter, cream cheese, and cinnamon sugar layers. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the loaf at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan before slicing to maintain the soft cream cheese swirl texture.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender crumb and avoid dense bread.
- Swirl cream cheese gently with a knife to preserve distinct layers without fully blending.
- Start checking doneness at 50 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking and drying out the bread.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth, even batter.
- Can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for variation.
- For muffins, bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze wrapped or in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg