This Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic, blending moist banana bread with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl. The soft, tender crumb of the bread pairs perfectly with the velvety swirl, creating a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. With just 15 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of baking, it’s an easy treat that feels special enough for any occasion.
Every bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet banana and creamy cheesecake flavors, enhanced by a golden, slightly crisp crust. The aroma of warm spices and ripe bananas fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist slicing into it fresh from the oven. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this loaf is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread
- Banana Bread:
- 1 ⅔ cups (8oz/225g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ½ cups (12oz/360g) mashed bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup (2 ½ fl oz/71ml) flavorless oil (sunflower, vegetable, or canola)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Swirl:
- ¾ cup (6oz/170g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9 x 5 inch (23 x 12.5cm) loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, egg, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Make the cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, yogurt, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the batter: Pour ⅔ of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese layer.
- Swirl the layers: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the banana bread batter a few times for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and springs back when gently pressed with your finger.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and store: Enjoy warm! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few thoughtful additions. Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. For a decadent dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen for a quick treat.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize this recipe to suit your taste! Add ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the banana bread batter for extra texture. Swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using flavored yogurt, like vanilla or honey, in the cream cheese swirl for a subtle sweetness.
Quick Tips for Success
Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth swirl. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. For even baking, rotate the loaf pan halfway through the cooking time. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts.
Cream Cheese Swirl Banana Bread
Ingredients
Banana Bread
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (8oz/225g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (4oz/115g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ½ cups bananas (12oz/360g, around 3 medium bananas)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup flavorless oil (2 ½ fl oz/71ml, sunflower, vegetable, canola)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Swirl
- ¾ cup cream cheese (6oz/170g, softened)
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9 x 5 inch (23 x 12.5cm) loaf pan and line with parchment.
- In a large bowl stir the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the mashed banana mixture until just combined. Do not over mix.
- In a small bowl make the cream cheese swirl: beat together cream cheese, yogurt. egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour 2/3 of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the batter. Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the cream cheese. With a knife, swirl the cream cheese mixture gently into the batter a few times.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and springs back when pressed gently with your finger. Leave in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
