Banana Split Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, look no further than Banana Split Cupcakes! These little delights capture the essence of the beloved sundae, combining moist banana cupcakes with creamy vanilla frosting and rich chocolate ganache. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and the comforting flavors that everyone loves. It’s a fantastic way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into something incredible that will wow your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cupcakes come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore the fun toppings, and you can involve them in decorating for added enjoyment!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to potlucks, these cupcakes fit right in and are always a hit.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of banana, vanilla, and chocolate is simply irresistible – it’s like having dessert and nostalgia in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Banana Split Cupcakes are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Cupcakes

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup mashed banana (overripe banana)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Toppings

• 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
• 12 maraschino cherries

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with your Banana Split Cupcakes by trying out some of these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; just ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to make these cupcakes dairy-free.
• Change Up the Frosting: Try a chocolate buttercream or whipped coconut cream instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist.

How to Make Banana Split Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cupcakes tender and fluffy!

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Line your cupcake pan with liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial because it gives our cupcakes their wonderful rise and texture.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

While your cupcakes cool down, let’s whip up that delicious vanilla buttercream frosting! In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high until light and fluffy! This frosting is so good; you might be tempted to eat it straight from the bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan over low heat (or using a microwave), combine semisweet chocolate chips with heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using; this ganache adds such rich flavor that perfectly complements our cupcakes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once everything has cooled down completely, frost each cupcake generously with your vanilla buttercream. Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each frosted cupcake—it’s okay if it drips down the sides! Top each one with rainbow sprinkles and finish off with a maraschino cherry on top.

And there you have it! Your delightful Banana Split Cupcakes are ready to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Split Cupcakes

Making these delightful banana split cupcakes is a treat, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use overripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be. Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall taste.

• Room temperature ingredients – Bringing your milk, egg, and butter to room temperature before mixing helps create a smooth batter. This ensures even baking and a light, fluffy texture in your cupcakes.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the airy goodness we want in each bite.

• Chill the ganache – Allow your chocolate ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it on top of the cupcakes. This thickens it enough to create that perfect drizzle without running off entirely!

• Add sprinkles just before serving – If you’re making these ahead of time, wait to add rainbow sprinkles until just before serving. This keeps them vibrant and prevents them from getting soggy.

How to Serve Banana Split Cupcakes

These banana split cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Present them in fun ways to make your dessert table pop.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a tropical flair while keeping it dairy-free.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch that complements the soft cupcakes beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cupcakes.
• Vanilla almond milkshake – A creamy milkshake is a perfect pairing that enhances the banana flavor while being indulgent yet refreshing.
• Chocolate chip cookies – For those who love a bit of extra sweetness, serve alongside classic chocolate chip cookies for a delightful mix of textures.
• Coffee or herbal tea – Offering a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy contrast to the sweet flavors of your cupcakes and rounds out the dessert experience beautifully.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and tips, it’s time to bake your Banana Split Cupcakes and enjoy every luscious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana Split Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Ensure that the frosting is intact to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cupcakes, gently microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating, as this may dry them out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Banana Split Cupcakes.

Can I make Banana Split Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.

How should I store leftover Banana Split Cupcakes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I use other fruits in my Banana Split Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries or cherries for a unique twist. Just ensure they are well-mashed if used in the batter.

What’s the best way to achieve fluffy buttercream frosting?

To achieve fluffy buttercream, beat your butter until light and creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar. Don’t forget to incorporate heavy cream slowly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Banana Split Cupcakes as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring back nostalgic memories of classic banana splits. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!