Dessert

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe

ByLana Polati January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Moist banana bread gets a luscious cream cheese swirl and a cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert.

A close-up of one thick slice of cinnamon swirl bread on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The bread has two visible layers: a light beige soft cake-like base with a fluffy texture and a glossy cinnamon swirl layer rich in dark brown cinnamon sugar, creating swirling patterns throughout the slice. The dark cinnamon layer is thicker on top, with slightly crunchy cinnamon sugar spotting the surface, giving a textured look. The edges of the bread are golden brown with a slightly crispy crust. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Whisk in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: For the cream cheese filling, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
Step 6: Spread half of the banana batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping mixture, then spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it. Top with the remaining banana batter.
Step 7: Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar topping on the batter and use a knife to swirl the cream cheese gently through the batter.
Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the bread 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 maximum sweetness and moisture.
For a nutty crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

How to Serve

A slice of cinnamon swirl cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture under it. The cake has a golden-brown crust with visible dark brown cinnamon swirls running through its light yellow crumb, creating a marbled effect inside. The top layer is textured with a thick, craggy cinnamon sugar swirl that adds a rough, grainy texture. The inside of the cake looks soft and moist with fluffy air pockets. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated white sugar, but the bread may lose some of its rich, caramel-like flavor.

Do I need to use parchment paper in the loaf pan?

Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the bread out of the pan for slicing. It’s highly recommended but not absolutely required if your pan is well-greased.