Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes

Introduction:
These Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. With a moist banana-flavored cupcake base, a creamy custard filling, and a dollop of whipped cream topping, these cupcakes bring the perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia. They’re great for parties, gatherings, or just a fun treat at home!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Banana Cream Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs
• Banana slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Cupcakes:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
   • Stir in the mashed bananas. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
   • Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Banana Cream Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Chill in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
3. Fill the Cupcakes:
   • Use a knife or a cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Spoon or pipe the banana cream filling into the hole.
4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top of the filled cupcakes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs over the whipped cream. Add a banana slice on top if desired.

These Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are the perfect bite-sized version of the classic pie. Enjoy, Ad Me! Let me know if you’d like more banana-themed recipes! 🍌