Creamy Banana Bread

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.

Cream butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer. Gradually add sugar; continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda, stirring just until moistened.

Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Pour half of batter into prepared pans; sprinkle with half of nut mixture. Repeat layers and bake for 45 minutes.

Tent loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes more or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 2 loaves.

Source: Something Extra magazine - Rincon Station Firefighter Becki Benson