Description
Homemade banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are the perfect dessert for any occasion. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and bursting with real banana flavor. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of fluffy banana cake and tangy cream cheese frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just a cozy treat at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 ½ bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
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Stir in the buttermilk and mashed bananas, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until smooth.
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Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until combined.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and fluffy.
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Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Notes
• Serving: These banana cupcakes taste best when served at room temperature. The cream cheese frosting softens slightly, creating the perfect creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling: If you’ve just frosted them, chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set.
• Storage: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days to maintain freshness.
• Room Temperature Option: If your kitchen is cool, you can leave them covered on the counter for up to 24 hours.
• Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes: Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
• Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: Flash freeze for 1 hour until the frosting is firm, then wrap and store for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm unfrosted cupcakes in the microwave for 10 seconds for that just-baked softness.
• Decorating Tip: Add crushed nuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
• Avoid Moisture: Always cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent condensation and soggy tops.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.