Wondering what to do with those over-ripened bananas lying around in your fruit bowl?

Tired of baking yet another loaf of (*yawn*) banana bread? ;)

Well, before the fruit flies start to swarm, might I suggest trying this delightful recipe for Banana Cupcakes topped with Vanilla Buttercream! I added chocolate chips to the batter to make them extra special.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover how moist these cupcakes turned out. The icing is sweet and simple and let’s the banana flavour of the cupcakes shine.

Wishing you sweet satisfaction,

Anita

Banana Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 canola oil

1 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 + 2 Tbsp milk

2 ripened bananas, mashed

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add chocolate chips.

3. In a large bowl, combine the oil and sugar. Whisk in one egg at a time. Add vanilla and milk, whisk until smooth. Stir in bananas.

4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet, a little at a time, careful not to over mix.

5. Spoon batter into cupcake pan, filling each well 3/4 of the way. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Let cool completely.

Vanilla Buttercream

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3-4 cups icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tsp milk (optional)

1. Using an electric of stand mixer, whip butter until it changes colour to a pale yellow, About 2-3 minutes.

2. Add vanilla. Add icing sugar 1/2 cup at a time. Scrape down sides of the bowl repeatedly. Note: If the icing requires a bit more moisture, you can add the milk, one tsp at a time. I used 3 cups of icing sugar for mine and didn’t need to add any milk.

3. Once the icing is light and fluffy (after a couple of minutes of whipping), fill piping bag and decorate cooled cupcakes.

4. Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon and/or a few chocolate chips. Enjoy!