This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. It combines the moist, sweet banana bread base with a rich cream cheese filling and a warm cinnamon swirl. This indulgent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack and is sure to impress with its tender crumb and beautiful swirl pattern.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

• ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and yogurt (or sour cream).

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Assemble the Bread:

   • Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.

   • Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.

   • Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cream cheese filling.

   • Top with the remaining banana bread batter, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

6. Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese and cinnamon sugar layers into the banana bread batter.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

9. Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Nutrients (per slice, approx. 12 servings)

• Calories: 210 kcal

• Fat: 10g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 18g

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 180mg

Why Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Is Special

What makes this banana bread truly special is the combination of familiar flavors—banana, cinnamon, and cream cheese—elevated to a new level with a beautiful swirl that creates a visually stunning treat. The banana bread itself is moist and sweet, but the addition of cream cheese filling introduces a layer of richness that balances the sweetness. The cinnamon sugar swirl ties everything together with its warm, spicy notes, making each bite a comforting, flavorful experience.

The cream cheese filling and cinnamon swirl are simple to prepare but bring an elegant touch to an otherwise humble banana bread. The resulting loaf has a gorgeous, marbled appearance and an unforgettable taste that will make it the star of your brunch spread or snack table.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the banana bread, giving it the soft, fluffy texture that is characteristic of banana bread.

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise, ensuring it has a light and airy texture while maintaining its moistness.

• Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. It also contributes to the overall flavor of the bread.

• Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the bread, balancing out the natural sweetness of the ripe bananas.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure, contributing to the texture and moisture of the bread.

• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the banana bread, giving it a subtle depth that complements the bananas and cream cheese.

• Bananas: The bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor, making the bread wonderfully soft and rich.

• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Both of these ingredients contribute to the moisture and tenderness of the banana bread, while also adding a slight tanginess.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling adds a rich, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the banana bread.

• Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese filling and makes it creamy and indulgent.

• Egg: The egg helps bind the filling, giving it structure and stability when baked.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• Cinnamon and Sugar: The cinnamon and sugar create the signature swirl and add a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the banana bread and cream cheese.

How to Make the Perfect Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Creating this banana bread is a simple process, though the assembly of the cream cheese filling and cinnamon swirl adds a fun and visually appealing element to the recipe. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set the filling aside.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for later.

4. Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and yogurt (or sour cream). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining banana bread batter, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

6. Swirl the Layers: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar mixture into the banana bread batter. This will create the beautiful, marbled swirl effect that makes this bread visually appealing.

7. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling time helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

9. Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy! It can be served as-is or topped with extra butter or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

• Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe, with lots of brown spots. The overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and more flavorful.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

• Swirl Gently: When swirling the cream cheese and cinnamon sugar mixture, be careful not to overdo it. You want the swirl to be visible but not fully incorporated into the batter.

• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bread at the 55-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when done.

• Cool Completely Before Slicing: While it may be tempting to cut into the bread right away, letting it cool completely will help it set properly, making slicing easier and preventing it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This banana bread is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it even more:

• For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast.

• As a Snack: Enjoy a slice as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk or a latte.

• For Dessert: For an indulgent dessert, top a slice with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

• For Special Occasions: This bread makes a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or holiday table, offering a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece.

Nutritional Information for Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Each slice of this delicious bread contains approximately 210 calories, with 10 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. The bread provides 28 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber and 18 grams of sugar. It also offers 3 grams of protein per slice, making it a filling yet indulgent treat. The sodium content is 180 mg per slice, which is fairly moderate for a sweet bread.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful and indulgent twist on the classic banana bread, offering a rich cream cheese filling and a warm, aromatic cinnamon swirl. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, serving it at a brunch, or indulging as a snack or dessert. The beautiful swirl and rich flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries it, making it a recipe worth keeping in your baking collection. With its soft texture, sweet flavor, and visually stunning appearance, this banana bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.