Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a dessert that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than these Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich creaminess of cinnamon-spiced frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginners!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Cupcakes

These cupcakes aren’t your ordinary banana bread spin-offs. Here’s why they’re a crowd-pleaser:

  • Moist and tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas and sour cream, the texture is light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon cream cheese frosting: A match made in heaven! The cream cheese adds tang, while the cinnamon brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
  • Perfect for any occasion: From afternoon tea to a festive gathering, these cupcakes suit any event.
  • Kid-friendly: Kids love the sweet banana flavor, and the fun frosting makes these cupcakes irresistible.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step process of making these delicious cupcakes.

Ingredients for Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the perfect banana cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients for both the cupcakes and the frosting:

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Banana Cupcakes

Follow these easy steps, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering banana cupcakes ready to serve!

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This ensures a soft and airy texture for the cupcakes.

4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until combined.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

6. Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting is what takes these cupcakes to the next level. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat on low speed until well combined.
  3. Add Cinnamon and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  4. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously using a piping bag or a knife.

Notes and Tips for the Perfect Banana Cupcakes

Use Overripe Bananas: The key to making these cupcakes ultra-flavorful is using overripe bananas. The darker and spottier the peel, the better! These bananas are packed with natural sugars that will make your cupcakes irresistibly sweet.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can cause the cupcakes to become tough and dense, and we want them to be light and fluffy!

Chill the Frosting: If your cinnamon cream cheese frosting is too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up before frosting the cupcakes.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and frost them before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Banana Cupcakes

Not only are these banana cupcakes delicious, but they also offer some nutritional perks, especially from the bananas. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your dessert. The cinnamon in the frosting provides antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving):

  • Serving: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 350
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Vitamin C: 6mg
  • Calcium: 50mg
  • Iron: 1.2mg

FAQs

Can I Make These Cupcakes Gluten-Free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio, and your cupcakes will turn out just as delicious.

What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both options will give you a similar moist texture.

How Long Will These Cupcakes Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

Can I Add Mix-ins to the Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Chocolate chips also make a great addition to these banana cupcakes.

More Relevant Recipes

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These moist banana cupcakes are paired with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making them a delightful and flavorful treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with natural sweetness, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the sour cream, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, or you’ll end up with dense cupcakes.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat on low speed until well combined.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  4. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife.

Notes

  • Ripe bananas are key! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
  • For extra banana flavor, you can add an extra ½ cup of mashed bananas, but this might slightly alter the texture of the cupcakes.
  • Want to make these cupcakes ahead of time? You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best results.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 2 ½ cups.
  • For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a little crunch.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star