Dessert

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Moist banana bread layers are combined with a creamy cheese swirl and a touch of cinnamon sugar, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

This image shows a close-up of three thick slices of banana bread stacked closely on a white plate. Each slice has a moist and slightly crumbly texture with a golden-brown crust. On the top of each slice, there is a thin round slice of banana that is light yellow with some brown specks. The inside layer of the bread is light beige with some darker swirls, likely cinnamon or another seasoning, spread unevenly through the middle. The bread's surface is rough and slightly glossy from what looks like melted butter or glaze. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1/3 cup melted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Swirl:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Swirl:

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter. Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix in baking soda and salt, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: For the cream cheese swirl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: For the cinnamon swirl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 7: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Layer with half of the cream cheese mixture and gently swirl using a knife or skewer.
Step 8: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Step 9: Repeat the layers with the remaining banana batter, cream cheese mixture, and cinnamon sugar.
Step 10: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
Step 11: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 12: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
You can swap the cream cheese swirl for a mascarpone or ricotta mixture for a different tangy creaminess.
For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage

Store the banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows three thick slices of banana bread stacked slightly overlapping on a white plate. Each slice has a rough brown crust with a moist, soft inside that is light tan with small banana bits visible. On top of each slice is a cream-colored banana round, slightly glossy, with a few white glistening spots of melted butter sitting on the surface. The texture of the bread looks spongy and dense with darker swirls of cinnamon or sugar visible. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid making the batter too wet.

Is it necessary to swirl the cinnamon and cream cheese layers?

While not required, swirling creates a lovely marbled look and ensures each bite has a balanced mix of banana bread, cream cheese, and cinnamon flavors.