Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 banana, sliced (for topping)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
In a separate small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
Swirl the cream cheese into the batter, using a spoon to lightly incorporate it throughout the loaf.
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with banana slices.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
