Banana cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the moist, fluffy texture of a well-made cupcake. These Amazing Banana Cupcakes are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Follow this detailed recipe to create banana cupcakes that are not only delicious but also easy to make.
Ingredients for Amazing Banana Cupcakes
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Amazing Banana Cupcakes
Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Bananas: Add the sour cream and mashed bananas to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a knife to frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate as desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star ingredient in this recipe. Their natural sweetness and moisture make them perfect for baking. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they are sweeter and easier to mash.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is used in the frosting to provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes. It creates a smooth, rich, and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cupcake batter, resulting in a tender and fluffy texture. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the bananas.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in both the cupcakes and the frosting. In the cupcakes, it provides richness and helps to create a tender crumb. In the frosting, it adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of both the cupcakes and the frosting. It adds a warm, sweet note that complements the bananas and cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is used in the frosting to sweeten and thicken it. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
These Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that is easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are a must-try. Follow this recipe to bake a batch of delicious banana cupcakes that everyone will love.
