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Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat featuring ripe bananas, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a creamy cheesecake layer. Perfect as a comforting breakfast or indulgent snack, this ultimate banana bread combines the warmth of cinnamon with the smooth tang of cream cheese in beautifully swirled layers.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Bread Batter

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
  2. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
  3. Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, adding natural moisture and sweetness to the batter.
  4. Add the Bananas to the Wet Ingredients: Stir the mashed bananas into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully combined.
  5. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
  6. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  7. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling a crumble topping.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate small bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract and egg yolk until fully blended.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  10. Layer the Batter, Cinnamon Swirl, and Cream Cheese Filling: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top, then dollop half of the cream cheese filling over the swirl.
  11. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl on top, and dollop the remaining cream cheese filling.
  12. Swirl the Cream Cheese: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling through the batter and cinnamon swirl to create a marbled effect.
  13. Bake the Banana Bread: Bake for 55-70 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  14. Cool the Banana Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  15. Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice the banana bread and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of cinnamon, banana, and cream cheese flavors.

Notes

  • Bananas should be very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to prevent dense bread.
  • To test doneness, use a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out mostly clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner slices and better texture.
  • You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses flavor in the cinnamon swirl.
  • If you prefer, use a different sized loaf pan but adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, cinnamon swirl, cream cheese, dessert bread, breakfast, sweet bread, homemade banana bread

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Find it online: https://kitchenwithben.com/cinnamon-swirl-cream-cheese-banana-bread-recipe/