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Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread: A Cozy Delight

Indulge in Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, a delightful quick bread that combines ripe bananas with a rich cream cheese swirl and warm cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Desserts
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Batter
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas Provides natural sweetness and moisture; substitute with frozen bananas that have been thawed.
  • 1/3 cup melted butter Adds richness and flavor; can be swapped for vegetable oil if needed.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the bread; adjust based on the ripeness of your bananas to enhance natural sweetness.
  • 1 large egg Binds everything together and improves texture; a flax egg works as a vegan alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor, so no substitutions are needed here.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Essential for leavening and creating a light texture in the bread.
  • Pinch salt Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors; definitely don’t omit!
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure; consider using whole wheat for a heartier loaf.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened Creates a rich and tangy swirl, but you could use Greek yogurt as a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese swirl) Sweetens the filling; best not to substitute for optimal flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for cream cheese swirl) Thickens the mixture to achieve the right consistency; this is essential.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the loaf; coconut sugar makes a fantastic alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Infuses the bread with warm spice; feel free to adjust to your taste!

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth, then mix in the melted butter.
  3. Stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour until smooth.
  6. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in another bowl.
  7. Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the cream cheese mixture.
  8. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cream cheese layer, then add the remaining banana batter.
  9. Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture and swirl gently.
  10. Finish with the last portion of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  11. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  12. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  13. Slice and enjoy fresh!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Perfectly ripe bananas are essential for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense bread and ensure a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.

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