Description
These moist and flavorful Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon, these cupcakes are topped with a smooth and creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making them irresistibly delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas (about 2–3 very ripe bananas)
- 1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 and 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk milk (room temperature)
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 oz block-style cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon cream (if needed)
- banana chips (to decorate, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin papers to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a good texture for the cupcakes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and even in consistency.
- Incorporate mashed bananas: Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the mashed bananas thoroughly for that rich banana flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low, add about half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until just combined.
- Add buttermilk: Whisk in the buttermilk gently either by hand or with the mixer on low to maintain tenderness in the batter.
- Add remaining dry ingredients: Mix in the rest of the flour mixture carefully, stopping as soon as it is combined to avoid overmixing, which could make cupcakes tough.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake one muffin tin at a time on the middle rack of the oven for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until fluffy. Add cream cheese cut into chunks and beat until fully combined.
- Add powdered sugar and flavors: Turn off the mixer and add 2 cups powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture starting on low speed.
- Adjust sweetness and consistency: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until desired sweetness and thickness are reached. If frosting is too thick, beat in a tablespoon or two of cream.
- Frost cupcakes: Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip or spread it with a knife. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top and decorate with banana chips for an appealing finish.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep cupcakes tender.
- If buttermilk is not available, substitute with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar per 1/2 cup milk; let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar or cream as needed.
- Banana chips on top add a nice crunch and visual appeal but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon cupcakes, moist cupcakes, easy banana dessert
