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Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Angela
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf featuring ripe bananas, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a rich cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this recipe combines the comforting spices of cinnamon with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese to elevate the classic banana bread into a delightful dessert loaf.

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, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
  2. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  3. Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the batter.
  4. Add the Bananas to the Wet Ingredients: Mix the mashed bananas into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until evenly combined.
  5. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate medium bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
  6. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can toughen the bread.
  7. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture has a coarse crumb texture, ready to add a sweet, spicy layer to the bread.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In another small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until fully incorporated for a rich, tangy swirl.
  9. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and help the bread release easily after baking.
  10. Layer the Batter, Cinnamon Swirl, and Cream Cheese Filling: Pour half of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then dollop half of the cream cheese filling over the cinnamon swirl.
  11. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining banana bread batter on top of the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and dollop the remaining cream cheese filling on top for beautiful, flavorful layers.
  12. Swirl the Cream Cheese: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter, creating an attractive marbled effect throughout the loaf.
  13. Bake the Banana Bread: Bake for 55-70 minutes until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, indicating the bread is perfectly baked.
  14. Cool the Banana Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain its texture.
  15. Slice and Serve: Once completely cool, slice the banana bread and serve. Enjoy this moist and flavorful treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to ensure the bread stays tender.
  • Adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven; start checking at 55 minutes.
  • Store leftover banana bread wrapped airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • The cream cheese swirl can be increased or reduced to taste.

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