Banana Bread

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with oil and line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. Step 3

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (if you don’t have a stand mixer just use a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, scraping down the bowl and paddle as needed. Add both sugars and mix until well combined. Add the chopped bananas and mix until they are fully mashed. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the eggs and oil, mixing until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

4. Step 4

   Add the flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low speed until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts, if using.

5. Step 5

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar over the top of the batter.

6. Step 6

   Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing it to cool completely. Frost the top with a generous amount of the coffee cream cheese frosting.