Description

This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a moist, decadent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With a rich cream cheese filling and a cinnamon swirl running through every slice, it elevates the classic banana bread to a whole new level. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Bread:

2 to 3 ripe bananas – Mashed (about 1 ½ cups).
2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base for the bread.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise.
½ teaspoon baking soda – For additional leavening.
¼ teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread.
2 large eggs – For structure and binding.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
½ cup buttermilk – Keeps the bread soft and moist.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened – The creamy base for the filling.
1/3 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the filling.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon mix.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – For a warm, spicy flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan

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

Step 2: Make the Banana Bread Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Banana Bread

Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer.
Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it evenly but not all the way to the edges.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cream cheese filling.
Top with the remaining banana bread batter, spreading it to cover the cream cheese and cinnamon swirl.

Step 6: Swirl the Cinnamon Filling

Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar and cream cheese filling through the banana bread batter to create the swirl effect.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
If the bread starts to brown too much on top, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Use Overripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until everything is combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Check for Doneness – Banana bread can take longer to cook depending on your oven. Always test with a toothpick.
Add Walnuts or Chocolate Chips – For extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread batter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Cuisine: American