If you haven't guessed already, baking is one of my favorite things to do for someones birthday. It's so fun to create new recipes consisting of whatever their favorites are, and seeing what you can do. Which is exactly how this creation came to life!
It was a friends birthday a few weeks ago, and I wanted to do a twist on banana bread. I searched around and found this recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron and ran with it. I also decided to add caramelized bananas on top for decoration! These cupcakes were a HIT, and so easy. If you're looking for a fun treat to bring to your next birthday party, potluck, or to make just because, make these banana nut cupcakes.
Note: If you're making these ahead, make the frosting and caramelized bananas the day you plan on serving them. If everything is made at the same time and served later, the bananas slide around on the frosting and look very unappetizing.
Servings: 16
Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ cup sugar
2 overripe bananas
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon vinegar
¾ cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups powdered sugar
Caramelized Bananas:
2 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In small bowl, mash bananas until fairly smooth.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and regular sugar until smooth and creamy; beat in bananas. Add in full egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract.
Add dry to wet ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. Be sure not to over-mix!
Pour batter into muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18 - 22 minutes or until a toothpick when inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool in muffin tins for several minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Meanwhile (or day of serving cupcakes), prepare the frosting. Cream together butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth. Mix in vanilla, salt and cinnamon. With mixer running, add powdered sugar and beat until well blended and smooth. Chill frosting for 10-20 minutes
While frosting in chilling, heat skillet over medium heat. Cut banana into 16 slices. Add all ingredients except the bananas to the pan, stirring until well combined.
Add bananas to skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Bananas should be a deep brown color, so be careful not to burn them! Turn the heat down as necessary.
Remove from pan and let cool.
When ready, frost cupcakes and place a caramelized banana on each one. ENJOY!
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