This is a special contest winning banana nut bread recipe that would definitely be a delight to your family and friends.

PREP TIME: 25 Min
BAKE TIME: 1 Hr
READY IN: ~ 1 Hr 25 Min
SERVINGS: 24

INGREDIENTS FOR BANANA BREAD

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup butter, softened
* 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
* 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 medium)
* 2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans, divided

INGREDIENTS FOR ORANGE GLAZE

* 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
* 3 tablespoons orange juice
* 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease 2 4×8 inch loaf pan with butter.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until you obtain a light and fluffy texture.

4. Beat the eggs in one at the time.

5. Add the vanilla extract and smashed bananas.

6. Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add this mix gradually to the creamed mixture.

7. Fold in the pecans or walnuts.

8. Transfer the mix to the loaf pan.

9. Bake the bread for approximately an hour.

10. Check if the loaf is ready by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

11. Create the orange glaze by whisking the above ingredients and pour it over the freshly baked banana bread.

Modified from a recipe at Taste of Home Recipes