Description
This Cinnamon Swirl Cream Cheese Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. Perfectly moist and tender, this loaf offers a delightful blend of sweet and spiced layers that make it an irresistible treat for breakfast or snack time.
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
- 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 will help to create a tender texture in the bread.
- Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
- Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth, which will integrate moisture and natural sweetness into the batter.
- Add the Bananas to the Wet Ingredients: Stir the mashed bananas into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well combined, blending the flavors together.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a separate medium bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
- Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, which will create a sweet, spiced swirl within the bread.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Cream together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until fully incorporated to create a rich, velvety filling.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- 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 on top.
- Repeat the Layers: Pour the remaining banana batter over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture and dollop the remaining cream cheese filling on top for a beautifully layered effect.
- Swirl the Cream Cheese: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese filling into the batter, creating a marbled look and flavor throughout.
- Bake the Banana Bread: Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, ensuring the bread is fully cooked but still moist.
- Cool the Banana Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice the banana bread and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor in the cinnamon swirl.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven; start checking at 55 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
