Description
Moist and flavorful banana cupcakes are taken to the next level with warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting combination of sweetness, spice, and nuttiness in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
- Frost & Serve: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Optionally, garnish with extra pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips.
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
Maple Frosting: Swap vanilla extract for maple extract for a deeper flavor.
Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
- Calories: 290 kcal
