Save My sister in law brought this over last Christmas morning and we all stood around the kitchen island eating slices before coffee was even brewed. The cream cheese layer melts into the warm bread creating these gooey ribbons that make you close your eyes involuntarily. I asked for the recipe on the spot and have been making it weekly ever since.
Last weekend I made this for my book club and someone actually asked if there was a hidden ingredient because the texture was so incredibly moist. I watched three different people go back for seconds within ten minutes. Now they request it every month and I pretend it is a burden while secretly preheating the oven with joy.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas mashed: The blacker the peels the sweeter your bread will be so do not be afraid of ugly bananas
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted: Let it cool slightly before mixing so it does not cook your eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that white sugar cannot match
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better so set them out while you gather ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Do not skimp here because vanilla amplifies all the other flavors
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly to avoid dense bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Makes the bread rise beautifully and gives it that tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon and bananas are best friends and this proves it
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all flavors pop
- 8 oz cream cheese softened: This is the star of the show so give it plenty of time to soften completely
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer just enough without becoming cloying
- 1 large egg: Helps the cream cheese layer set properly while baking
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla in the filling makes it taste like cheesecake
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Creates that signature swirl and crunchy sugar top
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Makes the cinnamon sugar layer that spirals through the bread
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and grease your 9x5 inch loaf pan then line it with parchment paper leaving those little wings on the sides for easy lifting later
- Mash those bananas:
- Get in there with a fork or potato masher until they are basically smooth because chunks create weird wet spots in the finished bread
- Whisk the wet ingredients:
- Stir the melted butter into the bananas followed by brown sugar eggs and vanilla until everything looks like a beautiful speckled mixture
- Mix the dry stuff:
- In another bowl whisk together flour baking soda cinnamon and salt so they are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ingredients
- Combine gently:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until you do not see flour anymore because overmixing makes tough bread
- Make the filling:
- Beat that softened cream cheese with granulated sugar egg and vanilla until it is completely smooth with zero lumps remaining
- Mix the swirl sugar:
- Stir together the 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a tiny bowl until they become one fragrant mixture
- Start layering:
- Spread half the banana batter in your prepared pan and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture
- Add the good stuff:
- Dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter and spread it carefully to the edges
- Finish assembling:
- Top with remaining batter and smooth it out then sprinkle the last of the cinnamon sugar on top for that beautiful crunchy crust
- Bake it:
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs because this is a thick bread that needs time
- Patience pays off:
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes then use those parchment wings to lift it out and finish cooling completely before slicing
Save My neighbor texted me at midnight once saying she could smell it baking and was literally standing on her porch hoping for an invite. I wrapped up a still warm slice and walked it over. Now we have a standing Sunday morning bread exchange that started with this recipe.
Getting The Perfect Swirl
The secret to visible swirls is not mixing the layers too much. Drop the batter in spoonfuls over the cream cheese instead of pouring it all at once. This creates those dramatic marbled patterns that make people think you spent hours on presentation.
Make Ahead Magic
This bread actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle and the cream cheese layer sets completely. Wrap it tightly and let it sit overnight. The texture becomes even more fudgy and the cinnamon flavor permeates every crumb.
Serving Suggestions That Impress
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 seconds before serving to recreate that fresh baked experience. The cream cheese layer becomes soft and gooey again while the edges stay slightly crisp.
- A pat of salted butter melting on top is never a bad idea
- Toast leftover slices and top with a little extra cream cheese for breakfast
- Store in the refrigerator if you plan to keep it more than 3 days
Save There is something deeply comforting about having a loaf of this on the counter waiting for you. It makes the kitchen feel like home even on chaotic weekdays.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What makes this banana bread so moist?
The combination of ripe mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar contributes significantly to the bread's moist and tender crumb. The cream cheese filling also adds an extra layer of richness and moisture.
- → Can I prepare this loaf ahead of time?
Yes, this bread can be made ahead. Once cooled completely, store it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's delicious served slightly warm or even toasted.
- → What's the best way to ensure a smooth cream cheese filling?
For the smoothest cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and ensures an even consistency.
- → Are there any suitable additions to the banana batter?
Absolutely! For extra flavor and texture, you can fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the banana batter before layering. This adds a delightful crunch or sweetness.
- → How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?
The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are acceptable, but you shouldn't see wet batter. Baking typically takes 50-60 minutes.
- → What kind of bananas should I use for optimal flavor?
Using very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots is key. They provide the best natural sweetness and moisture for the bread, enhancing its flavor and texture significantly.