Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas with a creamy, sweet cinnamon swirl that makes each slice extra indulgent. The cream cheese adds a soft, moist texture while the cinnamon sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This banana bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread:

✔ Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to ripe bananas and creamy cheese.
✔ Cinnamon-Swirl Perfection – A delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar in every bite.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients that come together quickly.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for breakfast or a dessert, this bread is always a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Banana Bread:

• 2 to 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

How to Make Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread:

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

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

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Banana Bread Batter
4. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl
7. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana Bread
8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
10. Add the remaining banana bread batter and swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter using a knife or skewer.

Step 6: Bake
11. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
13. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra treat.
• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast or snack.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread:

• Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the better! They provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Stir until just combined.
• Swirl Technique – For the perfect swirl, run a knife through the cream cheese mixture lightly to create ribbons, but don’t overdo it. A little swirl goes a long way.

Storage Instructions:

• Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later – Freeze the banana bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave.

Recipe Overview:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g

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