Cream Cheese Cinnamon Protein Loaf (Printer View)

Moist banana protein loaf with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese swirl, enriched with Greek yogurt for a nutritious treat.

# What you'll need:

→ For the Loaf

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 1/4 cup milk of choice
05 - 1/4 cup light olive oil or melted coconut oil
06 - 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ For the Cream Cheese Swirl

14 - 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
15 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
16 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, oil, sugar, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to distribute leavening agents evenly.
04 - Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; some small lumps are acceptable.
05 - In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
06 - Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat with remaining loaf batter and remaining cream cheese mixture on top.
07 - Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. A small amount of cream cheese on the toothpick is acceptable.
08 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like indulgence but keeps you satisfied: The protein powder and Greek yogurt mean you're actually nourishing yourself, not just satisfying a craving.
  • The swirl is the real magic: That cream cheese layer creates pockets of tang and richness that make every slice different.
  • It works for any time of day: Breakfast with coffee, afternoon snack, or dessert—this loaf never feels out of place.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step in the pan: I learned this the hard way when I impatiently pulled a loaf out too early and watched the entire swirl shift to one side.
  • The toothpick test is forgiving here because of the cream cheese: Some creaminess on the toothpick is not a sign of underbaking; it's just the swirl doing what it's meant to do.
03 -
  • Room-temperature ingredients mix more smoothly: Take your eggs and cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start; it makes a real difference in the texture.
  • If the cream cheese swirl seems stiff, don't force it: A tablespoon of milk stirred in loosens it right up and keeps you from accidentally overworking it.
Return