Making the Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread is straightforward. Follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to blend until well combined.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Prepare Bananas: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
6. Combine Mixtures: Add the mashed bananas to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Fold in Nuts: If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
9. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Following these steps will ensure you create a deliciously rich and moist loaf of Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread that will become a family favorite.