Lightened-Up Banana Bread

This cream cheese banana bread has lots of banana flavor and a nutty texture.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups  ripe bananas, mashed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup pecans, chopped and divided

Directions

1. In large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and sugar until well blended.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Beat in bananas and vanilla.
4. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture just until moistened.
5. Fold in 1/2 cup pecans.
6. Transfer to two 8-inch x 4-inch loaf pans, coated with nonstick cooking spray.
7. Sprinkle with remaining pecans.
8. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.