Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Moments

Whipping up delectable banana cream cheese cupcakes brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet, ripe bananas mingle perfectly with smooth cream cheese for an irresistible treat.

Soft and tender textures promise a delightful surprise in every bite.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that melts across your palate.

Baking these cupcakes feels like creating edible happiness with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical through careful mixing and gentle baking.

You’ll want to share these delightful little cakes with everyone around the table.

What Makes Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Special

  • Whip up these delightful cupcakes in under an hour with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
  • Create a fun baking experience that kids and adults will love, turning an ordinary day into a sweet celebration with moist banana cupcakes and creamy frosting.
  • Serve these cupcakes at birthday parties, potlucks, or as a comforting afternoon snack that pleases all ages with their irresistible blend of banana and cream cheese flavors.
  • Transform everyday pantry staples like ripe bananas and basic baking ingredients into a decadent dessert without breaking the bank, offering maximum flavor with minimal cost.

Key Ingredients for Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cupcake, providing structure and texture. Choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Banana, Eggs: Main moisture and binding ingredients that add richness and flavor. Ripe bananas work best for natural sweetness.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization. Brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist texture. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content.
  • Milk: Contributes to the cupcake's moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to both cupcakes and frosting.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting. Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting. Sift to prevent lumps.

Step-by-Step to Make Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash ripe bananas. Add:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Alternate adding milk, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures even baking and beautiful risen cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cupcakes

Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag. Generously frost the cooled cupcakes in your favorite style. Enjoy your homemade banana cream cheese cupcakes!

Tips for Perfect Banana Cupcake Texture

  • Ripen Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can create tough, dense cupcakes.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to distribute batter equally, guaranteeing uniform cupcake sizes and consistent baking.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, butter, and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more integrated frosting and batter.
  • Customize Frosting Texture: Add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or a splash of milk for a softer, more spreadable consistency.

Store Banana Cupcakes and Reheat Like a Pro

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • If serving within 1-2 days, leave cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container. Ensure the space is cool and away from direct sunlight.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting before serving.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain their soft, moist texture.

Tasty Matches for Banana Cupcakes

  • Rich, medium-roast coffee balances the sweet cupcake's creamy texture, cutting through the richness while enhancing banana's natural warmth.
  • Cold whole milk provides a classic, smooth counterpoint that softens the frosting's tanginess and complements the cupcake's soft banana flavor.
  • Sprinkle caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting to amplify the dessert's sweet profile and add delightful textural contrast.
  • Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch that adds depth and nutty complexity to each bite.

Ways to Switch Up Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Banana Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
  • Vegan Banana Cream Cheese Option: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and replace dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cupcakes: Reduce granulated and brown sugar by half, incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use Greek yogurt for added moisture and protein boost.
  • Dairy-Free Frosting Swap: Create a coconut cream frosting using chilled coconut milk solids, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract as a creamy alternative to traditional cream cheese frosting.

Cupcake Q&A: Banana Cream Cheese Edition

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. They provide more natural sweetness and a deeper banana flavor, making the cupcakes extra moist and delicious.

  • How do I prevent my cupcakes from being dense?

To keep cupcakes light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cupcakes tough.

  • What type of cream cheese works best for the frosting?

Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest and creamiest frosting. Avoid low-fat or whipped cream cheese, as they can make the frosting runny.

  • Can I make these cupcakes without a mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the batter and frosting by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and there are no large lumps.

Print
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Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana cream cheese cupcakes deliver a heavenly blend of sweet fruit and tangy frosting. Delightful layers of flavor melt together, promising a delectable dessert experience that will charm dessert enthusiasts and baking fans alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened

Baking and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)

Eggs:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg (for cream cheese filling)

Optional Toppings:

  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
  • Banana slices

Instructions

  1. Activate the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners inside a muffin tin.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing vessel, setting the dry mixture aside.
  3. Mash ripe bananas thoroughly and blend with granulated and brown sugars, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until achieving a uniform consistency.
  4. Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the banana blend, alternating with milk, stirring gently to prevent overmixing.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake liners, ensuring each cavity is approximately three-quarters full.
  6. Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
  7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding with frosting preparation.
  8. Whip softened cream cheese and butter together until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
  9. Gradually fold powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, whipping until light and fluffy.
  10. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and decorate the cooled cupcakes with elegant swirls or peaks.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor that enhances the cupcake’s moistness and natural sweetness.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent tough, dense cupcakes and maintain a light, tender crumb.
  • Room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that bakes more consistently.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain texture and structure of cupcakes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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