Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are loaded with rich, deep banana flavor and topped with creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting. Quick and easy, they’re the perfect dessert, snack, or addition to any party.

A wood surface with frosted banana cupcakes on it.

Cupcakes are always a welcome dessert or addition to any party. These classic sweet treats are almost always on the table at gatherings of all kinds, especially special events. I love them, and frankly, I don’t want to wait for a special occasion sometimes! That’s why I love making these banana cupcakes. They’re quick and easy, which means I can enjoy them any time I want. These are often requested by my kids!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cupcakes Recipe

It’s loaded with sweet banana flavor.
It only takes a few basic baking ingredients to make.
It’s a versatile dessert that’s equally at home at the dinner table as it is at any party.
The rich cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the deep banana flavor.

Ten frosted banana cupcakes on a wood platter.

Ingredients

Mashed Bananas: Super ripe bananas give these cupcakes a sweet, deep banana flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a deeply flavorful note to the cupcakes.
Cream Cheese and Butter: Cream cheese and butter make the rich, decadent base for the cream cheese frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar makes the frosting nice and sweet and adds body to it.

For a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

Flavor Variations

Nuts: Add your favorite chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips and banana always make a great pairing.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a super sweet version of these cupcakes, use buttercream frosting instead.
All-Purpose Flour: For extra tender cupcakes, try using cake flour.

A frosted banana cupcake with a bite taken out of it.

How to Make Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1: Combine the wet ingredients.

2: Combine the dry ingredients.

3: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, then add the mashed banana and mix again.

4: Fill the cupcake tin and bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5: Beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat again.

6: Gradually add the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

7: Frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

A bite taken out of a frosted banana cupcake.

Hint

Be sure your cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting, or the frosting will soften on contact and slide off of the cupcakes.

Storage

Refrigerate these cupcakes for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap the chilled cupcakes in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter and enjoy.

What to Serve with Banana Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes with fresh fruit and chocolate for a delicious treat. They also make the perfect addition to any table full of sweet treats at any party or gathering.

Tips

Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately for easy batter mixing.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing will make tough cupcakes.
Choose the ripest bananas possible for the best flavor. At minimum, the skin should have brown spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should bananas be for baking?

The riper the better. Use bananas that are at least developing brown spots on the skin. For the most intense, sweet banana flavor, let your bananas ripen until the skin is black. They may not taste good as a snack, but they’re perfect for breads, cakes, and cupcakes.

How do you know when bananas are bad?

While a banana can never be too ripe, it can go bad. It’s important to know the difference. As long as a banana has no foul odor, mold on the skin, or any kind of liquid seeping from it, it’s perfect for baking. If, however, it has any of those things, throw it out immediately.

Do you have to refrigerate baked goods with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you do. Unlike buttercream frosting, which is shelf stable for a few days, thanks to the powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting will spoil quickly. It’s important to refrigerate any baked goods with cream cheese frosting for safety and flavor.

How do you bake tender cupcakes?

First and foremost, do not overmix your batter! The batter should be just combined, meaning everything is blended and moistened. Overmixing the batter creates more gluten, a protein that pulls everything in the batter together and makes it tough. In addition, try letting your batter rest for a few minutes before baking to relax the gluten created by mixing. Finally, be sure to measure your dry ingredients accurately to avoid making dry, tough cupcakes.

Try These Delicious Banana Cupcakes Today

These banana cupcakes are moist, tender, and full of rich banana flavor. But I didn’t stop there. They’re also topped with a super-rich cream cheese frosting to finish things off. These cupcakes are absolutely decadent, and they only take a few minutes to make. With a combination like that, you have got to give them a try.

More Delicious Banana Recipes You’ll Enjoy

This banana layer cake is moist and delicious. It’s two layers of deliciousness frosted with cream cheese frosting. The perfect cake recipe for those ripe bananas sitting on the counter!