Banana Pudding Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these moist and fluffy Banana Pudding Cupcakes, elegantly filled with creamy banana pudding and topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting, a slice of fresh banana, and a crunchy vanilla wafer for the perfect bite of Southern-inspired dessert bliss.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 banana
Filling Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant banana pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 2 bananas, diced
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 24 Vanilla Wafers (for topping)
- Prepare Cupcake Liners and Oven: Fill two cupcake tins with cupcake liners. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter is prepared.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg whites, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until evenly blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to incorporate without overmixing.
- Add Butter and Banana: Incorporate the softened butter into the batter until just combined. Then, mash 1 banana and fold it into the batter evenly.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Using a cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Place the cupcake tins in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Banana Pudding Filling: Whisk together the two boxes of instant banana pudding mix with 4 cups of cold milk. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until set.
- Add Diced Bananas to Pudding: Stir diced bananas into the set pudding to add fresh texture and flavor. Return the pudding to the fridge until ready to use.
- Core the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled, use a spoon, cupcake corer, or piping tip to carefully remove a small portion from the top center of each cupcake to create a cavity.
- Fill Cupcakes: Spoon the banana pudding mixture into the cavity of each cupcake until nearly filled, stopping just below the top edge. Replace the removed cupcake piece on top to seal the filling.
- Chill Bowl and Whisk: Place the mixing bowl and whisk (or beaters) in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to chill before making the frosting.
- Make Whipped Cream Frosting: In the chilled bowl, combine cold heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Beat by hand or with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Frost Cupcakes and Garnish: Using a piping bag fitted with a large cupcake tip, frost each cupcake generously. Top each with a single vanilla wafer and a slice of fresh banana for garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the cupcakes right away for the best texture and freshness, or store refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier incorporation into the batter.
- Ensure the egg whites are fresh and at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Chilling the bowl and whisk for whipped cream helps stabilize the frosting and achieve stiff peaks.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and coconut cream respectively, but note changes in flavor and texture.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: banana pudding cupcakes, Southern cupcakes, banana pudding dessert, whipped cream frosting, vanilla wafer dessert