The Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes features moist banana-infused cake topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crunchy walnut pieces, delivering a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Muffin/cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for batter portioning)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag (for frosting)
- Piping tip (optional, for decorative frosting)
- Knife (for chopping walnuts)
- Grater or masher (for bananas)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240g) mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup (60g) walnut pieces, chopped
Using ripe bananas is essential to achieve the moist texture and natural sweetness characteristic of the Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes. Ensure all dairy ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and creamy frosting. Measuring flour accurately by weight helps maintain the cupcake's perfect crumb without being too dense or dry. Chopped walnut pieces add a crunchy contrast, so you may adjust the quantity or omit them if you have nut allergies. Your efforts will result in a delicious homemade version of the Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes, capturing its signature sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin/cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Add mashed bananas to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Portion batter evenly into cupcake liners using ice cream scoop or spoon, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and beat until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread cream cheese frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Sprinkle chopped walnut pieces over frosted cupcakes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
The Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes copycat recipe offers a moist banana cake with cream cheese frosting and walnut topping. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be used as a crunchy alternative without altering the flavor profile significantly. When ripe bananas are unavailable, overripe bananas frozen and thawed can work well to achieve the ideal sweetness and moisture. Using Greek yogurt instead of whole milk will add extra tanginess while keeping the texture moist. You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note, but expect a slight color change in the cupcakes.
Tips
Ensure your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cupcake batter. Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients to prevent dense, tough cupcakes. Use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk for a smooth, well-emulsified batter. Let your cupcakes cool completely before applying cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Nutritions
The Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes provides a source of essential nutrients through its key ingredients. Mashed ripe bananas contribute natural potassium and dietary fiber, supporting heart and digestive health. Cream cheese and butter add calcium and vitamin A, though they also increase saturated fat content, so enjoying these cupcakes in moderation benefits your overall nutrition. Walnut pieces supply heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, enhancing the cupcake's nutrient profile for your indulgence.
Storage
Store your Banana Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moist texture for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cupcakes, covered tightly, where they can last up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the cream cheese frosting best. Avoid freezing due to the cream cheese frosting, which can alter its texture upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Greek yogurt for the whole milk to add moisture and a slight tang to the banana cupcake batter. For a nut-free version, swap the walnut pieces with toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips, maintaining a delightful crunchy texture. Incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter enhances the flavor balance and brightens the sweetness of the bananas. Consider baking the cupcakes in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or snacks.
Allergies
The Banana Cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes contains common allergens including eggs, dairy (butter, cream cheese, milk), wheat (all-purpose flour), and tree nuts (walnut pieces). If you have a known allergy to any of these ingredients, consuming this cupcake could trigger an allergic reaction. Please ensure you check ingredient labels and consider your personal allergies before enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
Sprinkles Cupcakes' Banana Cupcake is beloved for its moist texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, crafted from ripe bananas and signature spices. The cupcake features a rich cream cheese frosting that complements the natural banana flavor, enhancing every bite with creamy indulgence. Fans appreciate the high-quality ingredients and artisanal baking that deliver a consistently fresh and satisfying treat. You'll find making a copycat recipe rewarding as it captures the authentic taste and texture, allowing you to recreate this popular dessert at home with ease.