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Cozy Cream Cheese Swirled Banana Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Ribbon

cream cheese swirled banana bread - featured image

A moist and flavorful banana bread featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl and a cinnamon sugar ribbon that adds a cozy, spicy crunch. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ยพ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ยฝ cup (100 g) cinnamon sugar (ยฝ cup sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon)
  • Optional: ยฝ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Fold in the mashed bananas until the batter is thick and creamy.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar until smooth.
  8. Pour half of the banana bread batter into the loaf pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over it, then sprinkle about ยผ cup of cinnamon sugar.
  9. Pour the remaining banana bread batter on top, followed by the rest of the cream cheese dollops and cinnamon sugar.
  10. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl through the layers to create a marbled effect without over-swelling.
  11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Tent with foil halfway through if the top browns too fast.
  12. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture. Keep ingredients at room temperature for smooth mixing. Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread. Swirl lightly to maintain distinct cream cheese and cinnamon sugar ribbons. Check doneness near the center but avoid the cream cheese swirl area. If adding nuts, fold them in with the dry ingredients. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Muffin version can be baked for 20-25 minutes at 350ยฐF.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, cream cheese swirl, cinnamon sugar, cozy, easy banana bread, moist banana bread, breakfast bread, snack, comfort food