Creamy Banana Bread

Yield: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose 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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Cream butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer.
3. Gradually add sugar; continue beating until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
6. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda, stirring just until moistened.
7. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl.
8. Pour half of batter into prepared pans; sprinkle with half of nut mixture.
9. Repeat layers and bake for 45 minutes.
10. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes more or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Attribution

Something Extra magazine - Rincon Station Firefighter Becki Benson