Introduction
Indulging in a delightful treat is a sure way to brighten your day, and these banana pudding cupcakes are the perfect choice! Combining the flavors of ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip, these cupcakes offer a refreshing twist on traditional banana bread. Perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
¾ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup sour cream
2 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix, prepared with milk according to package directions
8-ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
18 Vanilla Wafers for garnish
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling and refrigeration time)
Yield: 18 cupcakes
Follow these steps for a delicious treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy texture of pudding. Once you take a bite of these moist and fluffy cupcakes, you’ll be left wanting more! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Incorporate vanilla and sour cream
Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
5. Add bananas
Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed.
6. Whisk dry ingredients
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
8. Prepare muffin tin
Line 18 muffin tin cups with paper cupcake liners.
9. Scoop batter
Scoop the batter into each cup, filling them about ¾ full.
10. Bake cupcakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool cupcakes
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Prepare Cool Whip mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the thawed Cool Whip with ½ cup of the prepared vanilla pudding, mixing until smooth.
13. Refrigerate mixture
Refrigerate the Cool Whip and pudding mixture until ready to frost the cupcakes.
14. Core cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a knife or cupcake corer to cut a hole about 1 inch in diameter and halfway down into the center of each cupcake.
15. Remove centers
Remove the center pieces and set them aside.
16. Fill with pudding
Fill each hole with a heaping teaspoon of the remaining vanilla pudding.
17. Seal with caps
Trim the bottom half off the reserved cupcake centers to create small caps, and place them back on top of the filled holes to seal the cupcakes.
18. Frost cupcakes
Frost each cupcake with a generous dollop of the Cool Whip and pudding mixture.
19. Garnish with Vanilla Wafers
Garnish each cupcake with a Vanilla Wafer on top.
20. Refrigerate until serving
Refrigerate the cupcakes until ready to serve.
Notes
Ingredient temperature
Ensure the butter is softened for better mixing.
Ripeness of bananas
Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and flavor.
Cooling time
Allow sufficient time for cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Storage
Store finished cupcakes in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming is the process of mixing softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This technique helps to incorporate air into the batter, which contributes to the final texture of your cupcakes.
Incorporating Ingredients
When adding eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, it is important to mix well after each addition. This ensures each ingredient is fully incorporated and leads to a smoother batter.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to ensure they are evenly distributed. This helps prevent clumping and ensures even rising during baking.
Filling Muffin Tins
When scooping batter into the muffin tin, fill each cup about ¾ full. This allows enough space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Testing for Doneness
To check if the cupcakes are done baking, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready to be removed from the oven.
Frosting and Filling
After the cupcakes are cooled, create a cavity for the vanilla pudding filling. Once filled, place the trimmed cupcake centers back on top and frost generously with the Cool Whip and pudding mixture for a beautiful finish.
Chilling Before Serving
Refrigerating the frosted cupcakes helps to set the frosting and keep the cupcakes moist until you’re ready to serve.
FAQ
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How ripe should the bananas be for the recipe?
The bananas should be very ripe with heavily speckled or brown skins. This indicates they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor of the cupcakes.
Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, these cupcakes can be frozen. It’s best to freeze them without the frosting and add the frosting once they are thawed.
How do I store the cupcakes?
Store the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within 3-5 days.
Can I use different flavored pudding mix?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix to create unique taste variations for your cupcakes.
Conclusion
The delightful combination of ripe bananas, creamy sour cream, and fluffy Cool Whip creates a moist and flavorful cupcake that is sure to impress. These banana cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and are a fun twist on traditional recipes. The added vanilla pudding brings an extra layer of richness, making each bite a treat to remember.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Banana Bread Pudding
Combine the flavors of banana and vanilla pudding in a luscious bread pudding. Layer pieces of stale bread with banana slices and pour over a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla pudding. Bake until golden and serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Banana Cream Pie
Utilize the mashed bananas and vanilla pudding mix to create a classic banana cream pie. Layer a graham cracker crust with vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and top with whipped cream. Garnish with crushed vanilla wafers for an added crunch.
Banana Pancakes
Incorporate mashed bananas into your pancake batter for a hearty breakfast option. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious morning treat.
Banana Muffins with Vanilla Glaze
Transform the banana cupcake recipe into muffins by omitting the filling step and baking them in muffin tins. Top with a sweet vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Banana Smoothie
Blend ripe bananas with yogurt, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract for a refreshing smoothie. Add a scoop of vanilla pudding for extra creaminess and serve chilled.
Banana Split Parfait
Layer slices of banana with vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed vanilla wafers in a glass for a creative dessert. Finish with a cherry on top for a nostalgic treat.
