Name: Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 g Unsalted butter; 75 g Caster sugar; 75 g Soft light brown sugar; 2 Large free range eggs; 175 g Self-raising flour; 2 Large bananas (peeled and well mashed); 175 g Unsalted butter; 220 g Icing sugar; 110 g Smooth peanut butter; Boiling water (as needed, about 1-2 teaspoons); Handful of salted peanuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 52 reviews

If you have a craving for something sweet, moist, and packed with comforting flavors, this Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine the perfect balance of naturally sweet banana goodness blending with soft, fluffy cupcakes, topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe is a beautiful way to elevate everyday bananas into a delicious treat that friends and family will rave about. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to bring a little joy to your day, these cupcakes deliver on taste and charm every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several baking ingredients arranged on it. In the back, there is a clear bottle of yellow canola oil with a green label. Next to it on the right is a large blue and white bag of all-purpose flour, and in front of that is a white container of baking powder with a red label. On the left side, there is a jar of creamy peanut butter with a red lid. In the front middle, two red and purple packs of semi-sweet chocolate chips lie flat. On the right side in the front, two ripe bananas with yellow skin and a few brown spots rest on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together magically. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance — from the creaminess of the butter to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.

150 g Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the cupcakes for a tender crumb.
75 g Caster sugar: Lightens the batter and helps create a delicate sweetness.
75 g Soft light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
2 Large free range eggs: Provides structure and a little extra moisture.
175 g Self-raising flour: Ensures the cupcakes rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
2 Large bananas (peeled and well mashed): The star ingredient for natural sweetness and moistness.
175 g Unsalted butter (for frosting): Gives the peanut butter icing its creamy, luscious texture.
220 g Icing sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for easy piping.
110 g Smooth peanut butter: Adds a nutty richness that complements the banana beautifully.
Handful of salted peanuts to decorate: Adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of salty contrast.

How to Make Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the 150 g of room temperature unsalted butter with both caster sugar and soft light brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air, setting the stage for light cupcakes with just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 2: Add Eggs One at a Time

Next, beat in the large free range eggs, one at a time. Be sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter and gives your cupcakes a wonderful structure.

Step 3: Fold in Flour and Mashed Bananas

Gently fold in the self-raising flour and the well-mashed bananas by hand. This ensures you mix everything without knocking out the air you’ve worked hard to build, resulting in a perfectly soft and moist cupcake.

Step 4: Portion Into Paper Cases

Spoon the batter evenly into 12 paper muffin cases placed in a muffin tin. This helps the cupcakes bake evenly and look picture-perfect.

Step 5: Bake until Pale Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 19 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a very pale golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Peanut Butter Frosting Base

While the cupcakes bake, start your frosting by beating the second 175 g of unsalted butter with the icing sugar until the mix is well combined and creamy.

Step 7: Blend in Peanut Butter

Next, beat in the smooth peanut butter until the frosting is smooth and luscious, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 8: Adjust Frosting Consistency

Add boiling water a teaspoon at a time to the frosting, beating between additions. This helps achieve a light and fluffy consistency perfect for piping or swirling on top.

Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the peanut butter frosting onto each one or simply swirl it on with a knife for a rustic charm.

Step 10: Decorate with Salted Peanuts

Finally, sprinkle a handful of salted peanuts over the frosting. This adds a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that makes every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

Two white plates with blue floral patterns hold three cupcakes each. Each cupcake has a light brown base and is topped with swirled light beige frosting. The frosting is decorated with a few peanuts on top, adding texture. The plates sit on a white marbled background with scattered peanuts around them. The lighting is soft and natural, showing the details of the frosting and peanuts clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Additional garnishes like a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can complement the flavors wonderfully. Fresh banana slices or a small dollop of peanut butter on the side also make these cupcakes even more special.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to enhance their comforting qualities. For a brunch spread, pair them with a simple fruit salad or yogurt parfait to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the cupcakes in rustic wooden boxes for a charming picnic vibe or arrange them on a tiered cake stand for parties. Wrapping each cupcake with a colorful paper collar or tying a ribbon around the base turns these treats into delightful gifts as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in cling film, then placing in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready, thaw completely, then frost just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Reheating

To enjoy warmed cupcakes, reheat them gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes; instead, add fresh frosting after warming to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great and are often even sweeter after thawing. Just make sure to fully thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid overly wet batter.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

You can make a substitute by combining 175 g plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This will give your cupcakes the same perfect rise.

Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for smooth?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the frosting, but keep in mind it can make spreading slightly more challenging. It’s a delicious variation if you enjoy a bit of extra crunch.

Are these cupcakes suitable for freezing after frosting?

It’s best to freeze cupcakes without frosting for optimal texture and flavor. Freezing with frosting can sometimes change the frosting’s consistency and taste.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. The softer and sweeter the bananas, the better your cupcakes will taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight treat yet indulgent enough to impress guests. Next time you find yourself with some ripe bananas, give this recipe a whirl — I promise it will bring a smile with every bite and become one of your go-to desserts too!