Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread (Printable Version)

Moist banana bread with cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for breakfast or dessert.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Banana Bread

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cream Cheese Filling

10 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 large egg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

14 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
04 - Gently fold dry ingredients into banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
06 - In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
07 - Pour half of banana bread batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
08 - Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over batter. Top with remaining banana bread batter, smooth surface, and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar on top.
09 - Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs acceptable.
10 - Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The cream cheese layer adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas perfectly.
  • Every slice reveals beautiful swirls of cinnamon sugar that make it look bakery-quality without any fuss.
  • It stays moist for days in the fridge, making it a reliable breakfast or snack you can grab anytime.
  • You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now.
02 -
  • Let your cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing, or it will clump and ruin the smooth filling.
  • Dont open the oven door in the first 40 minutes of baking, or the loaf might sink in the middle from the temperature drop.
  • Use bananas that are heavily spotted or even black on the outside for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
03 -
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw them in the fridge overnight for an easy breakfast.
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices to keep the cream cheese layer neat and pretty.
  • If you dont have parchment paper, grease the pan really well and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Save overripe bananas in the freezer in a zip-top bag, then thaw and drain them when you are ready to bake.
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