Description
Delightful Banana Cupcakes with a smooth and tangy Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist cupcakes combine ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs + 1 egg white (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cup very ripe banana (mashed, about 3 bananas)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (room temperature)
- 8 oz (1 block) original cream cheese (room temperature for 30 minutes)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Line two standard-sized muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and egg white one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas until just combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing until no large flour pockets remain but the batter stays slightly lumpy to avoid overmixing.
- Fill and Bake: Using a spoon or a #20 scoop, fill the cupcake liners evenly with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops spring back when pressed. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool.
- Prepare Frosting: Using the paddle attachment, beat the butter, vanilla extract, and salt for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until mixture forms a fondant-like ball. Add cream cheese and mix on the lowest speed for 1½ minutes. Stop mixing and refrigerate the frosting for at least 20 minutes to chill.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have fully cooled, spread or pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cupcake. Optionally, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a banana slice before serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and moist.
- Room temperature ingredients help in achieving a smooth batter and frosting.
- Chilling the frosting makes it easier to pipe or spread.
- Optional garnishes add a nice touch but are not necessary.
- Cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container refrigerated.
