- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (vanilla extract, pure)
- Pinch of salt (salt)
Steps
### Delicious Banana and Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Banana and vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for any special occasion or simply as a weekend indulgence. This recipe will guide you through creating these moist, flavorful treats that are sure to impress your friends and family.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips (optional, for decorating)
- Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cooling rack
- Cupcake liners (at least 24)
- Piping bag with a decorating tip (optional for fancy frosting)
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
#### Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Fold in Bananas:** Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined with the wet ingredients.
#### Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
6. **Mix Batter:** Gradually fold in the dry mixture into the wet batter until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Divide Batter:** Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
#### Step 4: Bake and Cool
8. **Bake:** Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
### Step 5: Make Buttercream Frosting
10. **Cream Butter:** In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
11. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Ensure all sugar is fully incorporated before adding more to avoid lumps.
12. **Add Vanilla and Salt:** Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
### Step 6: Frosting and Decorating
13. **Frost Cupcakes:** Pipe or spread the buttercream frosting over each cooled cupcake. You can use a piping bag with a decorating tip for intricate designs, or simply spread it on using a spatula.
14. **Add Decorations (Optional):** Sprinkle some milk chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of the frosted cupcakes if desired.
### Conclusion:
These banana and vanilla cupcakes are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of ripe bananas, buttery frosting, and a hint of vanilla makes each bite satisfyingly sweet and moist. Perfect for any special occasion, these cupcakes will be a hit at your next gathering or simply enjoyed as a treat on their own.
By following the steps above, you can create a beautiful batch of banana and vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting that are sure to impress. Happy baking!