Description
Delight in these super-moist banana cupcakes studded with chocolate chips and crowned with a luscious swirl of milk chocolate and peanut butter frostings. Perfectly balanced with the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter, these cupcakes make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk*
- 1 cup (180g) mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
Milk Chocolate Frosting
- 1 and 3/4 cups (210g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream or half-and-half*
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- salt, to taste
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream or half-and-half*
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two 12-count muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners and set aside to be ready for the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla: Lower the mixer speed and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then incorporate the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed for about 1 minute to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture in three parts, stirring by hand after each addition to maintain a gentle fold.
- Add Buttermilk and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is just combined and still lumpy. Fold in the mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Pour water into any unused muffin pan cups about one-third full to prevent warping. Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the pans or transfer to a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Milk Chocolate Frosting: Sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder to remove lumps. Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add the sifted sugar-cocoa mixture alternated with heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed after each addition. Once fully combined, beat on high speed for an additional 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt if the frosting tastes too sweet.
- Make the Peanut Butter Frosting: Beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter together on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on medium until combined. Mix in the heavy cream on high speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth, at least 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness, if desired.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a knife, piping bag, or tip, frost the cooled cupcakes with your choice of frosting. To create a swirl, pipe both frostings together. Double the amount of your chosen frosting if making only one kind to ensure enough coverage. Optionally, garnish with banana slices or extra chocolate chips.
- Store Properly: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Use a cupcake carrier for easier storage and transportation.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing: Prepare cupcakes and frostings up to 1 day in advance. Keep cupcakes covered tightly at room temperature and frostings refrigerated. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting.
- Buttermilk Substitute: Use 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice plus whole milk to make 1/2 cup of DIY buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until curdled before using.
- Heavy Cream Substitute: You may use milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting, but the texture won’t be as creamy.
- Special Tools Recommended: Handheld or stand mixer, 12-count muffin pans, cupcake liners, fine mesh sieve, piping bags (reusable or disposable), Wilton 1M piping tip, and cupcake carrier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American