
Yield:
Makes about 24 large cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cupcakes:
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar
For the Banana Cream Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whipped topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Whipped Topping:
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional shortcut: You can use 2 (8 oz) tubs of whipped topping instead.
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- Fresh banana slices
- Caramel drizzle or whipped cream dollops
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and mashed bananas.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Cream Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together both pudding mixes and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Fold in whipped topping or whipped cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes until slightly firm.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes
- Using a small knife or cupcake corer, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon or pipe banana cream filling into the hole until full.
- Replace the top piece of cake if desired.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping
- In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread generously over each cupcake.
Step 5: Garnish
Top each cupcake with:
- Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crumbs
- A banana slice (add just before serving to avoid browning)
- Optional drizzle of caramel or a swirl of whipped cream
Storage:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best freshness, add banana slices right before serving.
- You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
- To prevent bananas from turning brown, toss slices in lemon juice before topping.
- Add a layer of melted white chocolate under the whipped topping for a “pie crust” effect.