Ingredients (makes 2 loaves)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup caramel topping (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pans and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans (or line them with parchment paper for easy removal).
Step 2: Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step is important for creating that rich, tender crumb.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Combine the wet and dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 6: Layer with caramel
Divide about ¼ of the batter between the two prepared pans. Drizzle about ¼ cup of caramel topping over each, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the batter. Top with the remaining batter, dividing it evenly between both pans. If you want extra indulgence, drizzle a little more caramel on top and swirl lightly again.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pans in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the tops start browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Let the loaves cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice thick pieces, serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy the rich swirl of cream cheese and caramel in every bite.
