Banana Caramel Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Caramel Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic banana cake. These moist cupcakes are infused with the rich flavors of ripe bananas and sweet caramel. Topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to please!

Why Make This Recipe

If you love bananas and caramel, this recipe is a match made in heaven! It’s an easy and fun way to use overripe bananas that might be sitting on your counter. The addition of caramel sauce makes these cupcakes indulgent, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist. You get a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite, making it a great dessert choice for everyone.

How to Make Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Making Banana Caramel Cupcakes is simple and enjoyable. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet and fluffy cupcakes ready in no time!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2-3 overripe large bananas, puréed or mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
Homemade caramel sauce or store-bought
Toffee bits (for garnish)
Extra caramel sauce (for garnish)
Fresh banana slices (for garnish)

Directions

Make the caramel sauce and let it chill.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your cupcake pans with liners.
In a bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a mixer, beat the butter and sugars together until fluffy.
Add the oil, sour cream, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, stir in the pureed or mashed bananas.
Fill the liners with batter about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool completely.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting using the chilled caramel sauce.
Optional: Core the cupcakes and fill them with caramel for an extra surprise.
Frost the cupcakes, and garnish with extra caramel, banana slices, and toffee bits. Enjoy!

How to Serve Banana Caramel Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served fresh, but they are also delightful the next day. You can present them on a cake stand or platter, garnished with toffee bits and banana slices for a lovely display. They make a great dessert at parties or a sweet ending to a family dinner.

How to Store Banana Caramel Cupcakes

To keep your Banana Caramel Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
Beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy to create a fluffy cupcake texture.
If you’re using homemade caramel sauce, prepare it in advance to save time.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your taste preference.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the batter or top the cupcakes with crushed nuts for an added crunch. Another variation could be to use peanut butter frosting instead of caramel cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to make it a bit healthier, but the texture may be denser.

2. What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk.

3. How can I make the cupcakes more caramel-flavored?
You can increase the amount of caramel sauce both in the batter and the frosting for a more intense flavor.

Enjoy baking these delicious Banana Caramel Cupcakes! They are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.