Banana Bread

This recipe is from my favorite banana bread recipe. Since we are trying to make eating healthier a lifestyle change I am trying to make changes to some of our favorite foods.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/8 cup wheat germ
• 1/8 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Beat the cream cheese. Gradually add the white sugar, and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce,  mashed bananas and vanilla. Add flour, wheat germ, ground flaxseed, baking powder, and soda; mix until batter is just moist.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and cinnamon. (I often omit this step altogether or sometimes just add a bit of cinnamon to the ingredients)
3. Divide 1/2 batter into two greased and floured 8x4 inch loaf pans. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter in pans, and top with remaining batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

When I first told Gary about how I made the banana bread he said, "So, it's gonna taste gross?!" But guess what? He REALLY liked it! I have not tried it yet, but I imagine you could substitute the sugar with something like agave or pure maple syrup....I just can't vouch for such fantastic results if you do. You can also cut back on the amount of sugar you use.