Banana Nut Bread - lightened up!

the yummy stuff:
1 pkg (8oz) 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 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans, divided

making it!
~ 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.  Sprinkle with remaining pecans.  Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

This bread has such a great flavor and this recipe allows you to enjoy an all time favorite comfort food with far less guilt by trimming the fat and calories. 

Enjoy!