Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re well incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas until everything is well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, followed by adding the milk. Stir gently until smooth—avoid overmixing!
Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the cupcake batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: While your cupcakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Add a splash of milk if the frosting is too thick for your liking.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cupcake. Optionally, sprinkle crushed walnuts or banana chips for an extra touch!
Enjoy! Gather your family and share these delightful treats!
What to Serve Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes With:
Pair your delicious Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence, or serve them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of milk. They make a perfect dessert for any family dinner or a sweet treat for a picnic with friends.
Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes:
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a tiny amount of milk until you reach the desired texture.
Store Properly: Make sure to store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain their moisture.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When it comes to reheating, gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat, as it can cause the cupcakes to dry out. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just remember to frost them after thawing for the best experience.
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Enjoy the wonderful world of Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes; with their delightful flavors and ease of preparation, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation! Happy baking!