reheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and mashed bananas.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Pudding Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Chill for 10 minutes, and if desired, fold in whipped cream for a lighter texture.
Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a cupcake corer or a knife to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill each cupcake with the prepared pudding.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Decorate: Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top and garnish with banana slices and caramel sauce.
What to Serve Banana Pudding Cupcakes With
Now that you have made these delightful Banana Pudding Cupcakes, consider serving them alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or a warm cup of coffee. You could also pair them with a light fruit salad for a colorful contrast! These cupcakes would shine at any gathering, making them a perfect accompaniment for summer barbecues or birthday parties.
Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Pudding Cupcakes
To ensure your Banana Pudding Cupcakes turn out perfect, here are some useful tips:
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 results.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Cool Completely: Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before filling and frosting them to prevent melting.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your Banana Pudding Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful texture. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then enjoy at room temperature or lightly reheated.
So what are you waiting for? Dive into this delightful recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to the fluffy, creamy goodness of Banana Pudding Cupcakes!