Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe: A Sweet and Spiced Delight

If you're looking for the perfect combination of moist, sweet, and spicy, these Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are just the treat for you! Each bite brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the rich warmth of cinnamon. But what makes these cupcakes truly stand out is their velvety smooth cream cheese frosting, kissed with a touch of spice. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a cozy dessert, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I discovered this gem of a recipe on Recipes by Lisa, and I'm excited to share it with you! These cupcakes are so easy to make, and the results are nothing short of delicious. The cinnamon in the frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the banana perfectly, making it hard to stop at just one!

The Story Behind These Cupcakes

Banana cupcakes always remind me of Sunday afternoons at home. Growing up, overripe bananas would inevitably lead to either banana bread or banana cupcakes. This version, however, takes it up a notch with its delightful cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The inspiration for this frosting comes from my love of cinnamon rolls, and the idea of blending cream cheese with cinnamon seemed like the perfect twist for these cupcakes.

A Sweet Touch of History

Bananas have long been a popular ingredient in baking, thanks to their natural sweetness and ability to add moisture to recipes. It’s believed that banana-based baked goods became especially popular in the United States during the Great Depression, as nothing went to waste, and overripe bananas were ideal for recipes like bread and cakes. The addition of cream cheese frosting, especially one with cinnamon, takes these cupcakes to a new level, adding a modern, decadent touch.

Recipe Ingredients & Measurements

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Bake the cupcakes. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cupcakes. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is well combined and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until smooth.

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and enjoy these delicious treats!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Cupcakes:

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The darker the bananas, the sweeter your cupcakes will be!
• For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon or crushed walnuts on top of the frosting.
• If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. Try them once, and you’ll be adding them to your favorite dessert rotation in no time!

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this recipe? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting recipe with your friends and family. Be sure to follow for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!