To make your Ultimate Cream Cheese Banana Bread, follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mash Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth.
3. Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and well combined.
4. Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fluffy.
5. Mix in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Ingredients: Mix in the mashed bananas until just combined.
7. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
8. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
9. Add Extras: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips, if using.
10. Pour Mixture: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
11. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These clear and straightforward instructions will guide you in creating an incredible banana bread that is guaranteed to impress!