LUSCIOUS BANANA NUT BREAD

Luscious Banana Nut Bread image

Provided by Enro Gay

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/4 c cream cheese, softened
1/2 c white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar, lightly packed
2 large eggs
3 Tbsp half n' half
About 2 c very ripe bananas, mashed
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped nuts, pecans or walnuts

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place softened butter and cream cheese in large mixing bowl; add sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat together. Pour in mashed bananas, half 'n half and vanilla; mix just until blended.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, soda and salt. Add to banana mixture, 1/2 at a time, and mix until combined. Add the chopped nuts and stir into banana batter.
4. Pour batter into a large, greased bread pan; put into preheated oven and bake approximately 1 hour, or until knife comes out clean and loaf is golden brown. WATCH and do not overcook. TIP: It isn't necessary (in my opinion), but bread slices may be topped with softened butter or cream cheese.