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Lightened-Up Special Banana Bread

Lightened-Up Special Banana Bread
This cream cheese banana bread has lots of banana flavor and a nutty texture. And with help from our pros, now it’s lighter, too! Beverly Sprague — Baltimore, MD
24 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
  • 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 chopped pecans, divided
  • ORANGE GLAZE:
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Directions

  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and sugar until well
  • blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Beat in bananas and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder,
  • baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture just until
  • moistened. Fold in 1/2 cup pecans.
  • Transfer to two 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pans coated with cooking spray.
© Taste of Home 2013

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Lightened-Up Special Banana Bread (continued)

Directions (continued)

  • Sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes
  • or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the glaze ingredients; drizzle over loaves.
  • Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool
  • completely.
  • Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice equals 235 calories, 10 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 34 mg cholesterol, 157 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein.
© Taste of Home 2013