Name: Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp fine sea salt; 2 overripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups); ½ cup salted butter melted; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 eggs room temperature; ¼ cup sour cream room temperature; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk room temperature; Cream cheese frosting (see https://joyfoodsunshine.com/cream-cheese-frosting/ for recipe)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 28 reviews

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If you’ve ever wondered how to turn those overripe bananas sitting on your counter into something truly magical, this Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes are a delightful fusion of moist, tender banana bread flavors and luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises cupcakes that boast a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy frosting — a combination that never fails to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A half-eaten banana cupcake sits on a white plate with a white cupcake liner underneath. The cupcake has a moist, textured light brown cake layer visible inside. On top, there is a layer of smooth white cream frosting, slightly swirled, with two thin banana slices placed neatly on one side near the frosting. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with parts of other similarly decorated cupcakes partially visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its approachable, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an important role: the ripe bananas infuse natural sweetness and moisture, spices add warmth, and the cream cheese frosting brings that luscious finish you’ll crave bite after bite.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these cupcakes their tender crumb.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly and become light and fluffy.
½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the banana’s sweetness.
¼ tsp fine sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
2 overripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups): The star ingredient lending natural moisture and banana flavor.
½ cup salted butter melted: Brings richness and depth to the batter.
½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
½ cup light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and extra moisture.
2 eggs room temperature: Bind everything together for structure and fluffiness.
¼ cup sour cream room temperature: Adds tang and keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist.
2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Boosts all the other flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
½ cup whole milk room temperature: Balances the consistency of the batter for perfect softness.
Cream cheese frosting: The crowning glory, tangy and creamy, bringing balance to the sweetness.

How to Make Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

At the start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two standard 9-well muffin pans with cupcake liners and lightly grease them. This ensures that your cupcakes will bake evenly and come out effortlessly when they’re ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. This combo creates the perfect dry blend, infusing warmth and structure into the cupcakes.

Step 3: Mash Bananas and Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Add melted salted butter, both granulated and brown sugars, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is beautifully combined. Then beat in the eggs, followed by sour cream and whole milk. These wet ingredients ensure a moist, tender cupcake with a hint of tang from the sour cream.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir until everything is just combined. Aim for a uniform batter without lumps, but be careful not to overmix, or the cupcakes might turn dense instead of fluffy.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake liner, spacing them evenly (nine per pan). Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 16 minutes. Your cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back gently when touched—this step guarantees a perfect cupcake every time.

Step 6: Cooling and Frosting

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool for about 5 minutes in their pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied. When fully cooled, frost each cupcake generously with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, either from your favorite recipe or the one linked in this Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

How to Serve Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a cupcake with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a light brown, moist cake with small pieces giving it a textured look. On top is a thick, swirled layer of creamy white frosting, soft and smooth in texture. The topmost layer is a thin, round banana slice placed vertically at the center of the frosting. The cupcake is in a white paper liner that is partly peeled back to show the cake inside. Surrounding it are similar cupcakes, each with the same three-layer look and a banana slice on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair by garnishing your cupcakes with chopped toasted walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few thin banana slices. These simple touches add texture and a visual wow factor that makes the cupcakes even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or cold milk for a comforting delight. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of fresh berries also complements the flavor beautifully, creating a balanced snack or light dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, pipe the cream cheese frosting in elegant swirls and sprinkle with edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles. You could also serve these cupcakes in mini cupcake stands or boxes for an adorable gift idea. Their pretty golden brown tops and luscious frosting are sure to be conversation starters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh, store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the frosting’s creamy texture and prevents the cupcakes from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these beauties ahead of time, freeze them without frosting wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months this way. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy cupcakes warm, remove frosting if possible and microwave the cupcake alone for about 15 seconds until just warmed through. Replace the frosting or eat as is for a cozy treat. Avoid reheating cupcakes with frosting on to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use bananas that aren’t fully ripe?

For this recipe, overripe bananas are best since they’re sweeter and mash easily, which gives the cupcakes their moist texture. Using underripe bananas might result in less flavor and a denser cupcake.

Is it necessary to use sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slightly tangy flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or even buttermilk with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the same effect.

How do I make the cream cheese frosting from scratch?

The classic cream cheese frosting calls for cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This frosting is what makes this Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe unforgettable.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How long do these cupcakes last outside the fridge?

Without refrigeration, these cupcakes will stay fresh for about one day at room temperature. Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the fridge if you want to keep them longer.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a joy to bake and enjoy, no matter the occasion. The balance of flavors combined with the moist, tender crumb and tangy frosting creates cupcakes you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try soon and watch it become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine!

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