Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

When it's cold outside, like it has been here for the last three weeks (8º in the morning!), I always crave hot coffee and warm baked goods. This banana bread always hits the spot. Every time I've made it for someone else, they want the recipe, so I thought I'd share it here. I'm posting both the original recipe, which was given to me by a friend, and the way I actually make it, which is a little healthier. : )

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Makes: 2 loaves 

Takes: 10 min to prep, about an hour to bake

1/2 C butter softened

2 C sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened

2 C flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 C mashed bananas

1 1/2 C chocolate chips

*My Tips*  -  I use margarine (I always use Imperial brand "great for baking")

                    -  I use 1 C sugar, 1 C Splenda

                    -  I use 1/3 less fat cream cheese

                    -  I am at high altitude, so I have to add 1/4 C flour.

Directions:

Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in cream cheese and then add flour, baking powder, and baking soda all together. Mix in bananas then stir in 1 C chocolate chips. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Top each loaf with 1/4 C chocolate chips. Bake at 350º fro 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Store in the fridge, or freeze for later. 

I love that this recipe makes two loaves because then you can freeze one for later or give one away. I hope you'll enjoy this bread. It's my absolute favorite.

Have a great weekend!

- Haley