Banana Caramel Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Caramel Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel. This recipe brings together soft, moist cupcakes topped with a creamy frosting that takes them to the next level. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Why Make This Recipe

These cupcakes are not only delicious but also easy to make. By using simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a batch in no time. The combination of banana and caramel creates a delightful flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cupcakes. They are a fun dessert that everyone loves!

How to Make Banana Caramel Cupcakes

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 (optional)
Extra caramel sauce (optional)
Fresh banana slices (optional)

Directions:

Make the Caramel Sauce: Prepare a batch of homemade caramel sauce and let it chill in the refrigerator while you bake the cupcakes.
Banana Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a standard 12-cup cupcake pan and a second pan with 5 liners. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the wet ingredients and incorporate the eggs. Gradually add the dry ingredients and the mashed bananas. Fill the cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: Use the caramel sauce to prepare the frosting, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.
Assemble the Cupcakes: Core the centers of the cooled cupcakes, fill them with caramel, frost the tops, and garnish with additional caramel sauce, fresh banana slices, and toffee bits if desired. Enjoy your delicious cupcakes!

How to Serve Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Serve these banana caramel cupcakes at room temperature. They are perfect for sharing at a party or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add extra caramel drizzles on top for an eye-catching presentation.

How to Store Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for a week. Just make sure to keep the frosting separate if you want to maintain the best texture.

Tips to Make Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be.
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
If you prefer a salty contrast, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the frosting.
For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips to the batter!

Variation

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a bit of crunch. You can also try using different flavor extracts, like almond or coconut, for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day before and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving.

2. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

3. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
To lessen the sweetness, you can add more cream cheese to the frosting. This will give it a tangy flavor and balance out the sweetness from the caramel.

With this banana caramel cupcakes recipe, you’ll have a deliciously sweet treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to delight everyone. Happy baking!