Tonight I noticed that my bananas were getting spots all over them. Once they're covered in spots I cannot eat them. So I thought to myself, "I should use these bananas in some banana bread!". I decided to make up my own recipe. At least then, I can add a few healthy ingredients.
Naturally, my one year old toddler is attached to my hip. If I'm baking, then she is baking! I pulled up a chair for her to stand in so she could watch and "help" her Momma bake. As I would mix the ingredients, she would steadily point her finger at the mixer and speak her baby talk. Once the bread was placed in the oven, I turned the oven light on so she could watch the bread bake. She definitely enjoyed that! Right then, I decided to name the recipe after her.
When the bread was finished baking, I put it on the table so it could cool off. I absolutely planned on eating a piece tonight along with a nice cup of pumpkin pie spice flavored coffee. I shared my piece of banana bread with my Claire Bear. She made her "mmmmmm" sounds as she ate. My mother and sister in law and my daughters boyfriend were visiting tonight. We all ate fresh baked banana bread. I had a cup of coffee with my piece. These are times when great memories are made! Baking just has a way of reaching the heart<3
Claire Bear's Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1/2 c. real butter
6 oz. Neufchâtel cream cheese
1 c. light brown sugar
3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
1/4 c. light sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups whole wheat flour
*Optional: chocolate chips and/or nuts
I didn't have any of the above optional ingredients, but would love to add some chocolate chips the next time!
Spray a pan with some Pam. I did not have a loaf pan so I ended up using an 11 x 7 in. brownie pan. It worked great too!
Save yourself some muscle, time, and energy and use a heavy duty mixer. I used our KitchenAid mixer.
Cream together butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar on low speed until creamy. Then add mashed bananas, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Allow bread to somewhat cool once it is finished baking.
After the bread has cooled to your liking, spread a pat of butter on it and enjoy...especially enjoy with dear loved ones!
