Banana Cupcakes

Banana cupcakes are a delicious and moist treat that showcase the sweet and flavorful taste of ripe bananas. Here's a recipe to make scrumptious banana cupcakes:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Sliced bananas
• Chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, and continue beating until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a butter knife.
5. Optional: Top each cupcake with a slice of banana and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and decoration.

Banana cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the moist banana cake. Enjoy these delicious banana cupcakes as a tasty treat or for special occasions!