Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are the best of both worlds—moist banana cupcakes with the sweet, creamy filling of a classic banana cream pie, all wrapped up in a portable cupcake form. These cupcakes are perfect for banana lovers, offering that comforting flavor and texture in each bite, with a dollop of whipped cream topping for that extra indulgence. Here’s how to make them!
Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or buttermilk)
For the Banana Cream Filling:
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (chilled)
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Sliced bananas (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers (optional, for that pie crust effect)
Instructions:
1. Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream (or buttermilk), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Banana Cream Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the mashed banana and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the banana pudding mixture until combined.
- Chill the filling in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly.
3. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Continue to whip until the cream holds stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or melon baller to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake, creating a little well for the banana cream filling.
- Fill each cupcake with the banana cream filling, making sure to leave a little space at the top to add the whipped cream.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream topping on top of each filled cupcake.
- Garnish with a slice of banana and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers (for that classic pie crust flavor), if desired.
Tips:
- Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, use ripe bananas with lots of spots on the skin. They are the sweetest and will add a deeper banana flavor to your cupcakes.
- Make Ahead: The banana cream filling and whipped cream can be made ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and assemble the cupcakes right before serving.
- Fluffier Cupcakes: For lighter cupcakes, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
- Fun Variations: You can experiment by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cupcake batter for a warm spice note or stir in some mini chocolate chips to the filling for a banana-chocolate twist.
Why You’ll Love These:
These Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are a perfect fusion of banana bread and creamy banana pie, all wrapped up in an adorable, bite-sized cupcake! The moist cupcake base is complemented by a smooth, creamy banana filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream—everything you love about banana cream pie in a fun cupcake form. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Let me know if you try them out! They’re so fun to make and even more fun to eat!