Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, moist treat that tastes like fall baked into bread, you’re in for a real treat with this Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe. Seriously, it combines the best of autumn flavors—pumpkin, banana, warm spices—with a luxuriously creamy swirl and a dreamy salted maple butter that takes every bite to the next level. Stick around because I’m going to share everything you need to nail this recipe, plus my favorite tips to make it absolutely foolproof and totally irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about warm, naturally sweet flavors that come together with a bit of tang from the cream cheese and buttery sweetness from the maple butter. When you shop, picking ripe bananas and quality pumpkin puree makes all the difference in taste and texture.

• Overly ripe bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. I usually keep a bunch on hand just for baking.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Look for pure pumpkin to get that deep autumn flavor without added sugar.
• Melted coconut oil: Adds moisture without overpowering and keeps the bread tender and soft.
• Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a subtle maple aroma—don’t substitute with plain syrup!
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and help with a lighter texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and depth of the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The reliable pantry staple that gives structure.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Double leavening helps keep the bread fluffy without being dense.
• Ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: These spices are the heart of autumn baking—don’t skimp!
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for that perfect swirl.
• Cinnamon sugar: For a delicious crunchy topping that adds texture and sweetness.
• Salted butter: Room temperature to blend into the maple syrup for heavenly maple butter.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe is. Once you’ve made the classic version, feel free to tailor it to your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Add nuts: I’ve tossed in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch; my family especially enjoys that texture contrast.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour—just check the blend’s baking instructions for best results.
• Spice it up: For a little extra warmth, I sometimes stir in a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of cloves.
• Dairy-free option: Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free version, and use plant-based butter for the maple butter if needed.

How to Make Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your bread pans (I prefer using two 9×5-inch pans). In a large bowl, combine your mashed overly ripe bananas, canned pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is just blended—don’t over-mix here to keep the bread tender.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

In goes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Mix gently until the batter just comes together—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overworking the flour can make your bread tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 3: Layer in the cream cheese swirl and cinnamon sugar topping

Divide your pumpkin banana batter evenly between the prepared pans. Here’s a fun trick I discovered: put the cream cheese in a gallon-size zip-top bag, then snip off a tiny corner to create a piping bag. Squeeze out teaspoon-sized dollops of cream cheese across the batter in each pan (using 4 ounces per pan). Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter. Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar on top to add that irresistible crunchy-sweet topping.

Step 4: Bake and prepare the salted maple butter

Pop your pans into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center feels just set (a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs). While it bakes, whip together your salted maple butter by combining softened salted butter with pure maple syrup—this little spread is a total game-changer I promise you’ll want to slather on warm slices.

Step 5: Cool a little and enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pans for about 30 minutes so it’s easier to slice without falling apart. Or don’t wait—I’m guilty of cutting into it while it’s still warm and piling on the salted maple butter. Both ways are lovely, but seriously, that butter melting on warm bread is a whole mood.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a generous smear of the salted maple butter spread right after slicing—it melts perfectly into the warm bread and brings a lovely salty-sweet balance. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for a little extra crunch and a festive touch.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic on its own with coffee or tea, but I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for breakfast or a casual brunch. It pairs beautifully with a simple autumn fruit salad too—think sliced apples and pears spiced with cinnamon.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special gatherings, I’ve arranged slices on a wooden board garnished with a few fresh rosemary sprigs and a small bowl of the maple butter for guests to help themselves. It feels rustic and elegant, perfect for fall entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the bread cool completely, then store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful, but if it’s humid in your kitchen, refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It keeps for 2-3 months, making it perfect to prep in advance or save for those unexpected cozy cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to revive that fresh-baked warmth. Then I add a pat of the salted maple butter and watch it melt into pure perfection. Gives you that straight-from-the-oven feel!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Banana Bread with Salted Maple Butter Recipe brings out the best parts of fall in every slice. I remember the first time I made it—the cream cheese swirl and that sweet-salty maple butter stole the show and quickly became a family favorite. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to throw together and how it fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas. This is one recipe I wholeheartedly recommend you try on a chill weekend morning or whenever you want to feel cozy and spoiled. Bake a loaf, slice some warm bread, spread on that maple butter, and enjoy the simple magic!

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