Banana Split Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a fun and delightful dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face, these Banana Split Cupcakes are just the treat! They capture the essence of the classic sundae in a cupcake form, making them perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a family gathering. With moist banana cupcakes topped with creamy vanilla buttercream and adorned with chocolate ganache, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry on top, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your home.

These Banana Split Cupcakes not only taste amazing but also look charming. They’re an impressive yet easy dessert to whip up when you want to spread joy around the table. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be baking them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cupcakes come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cupcakes are sure to get them excited about baking!
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake the cupcakes ahead of time and frost them just before serving for a stress-free treat.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of banana, vanilla, and chocolate will make your taste buds dance with joy!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just because, these cupcakes fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Banana Split Cupcakes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. 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 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 Topping

• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
• 12 maraschino cherries

Variations

One of the best things about these Banana Split Cupcakes is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and flavors.

• Switch Up the Frosting: Try using chocolate or strawberry frosting instead of vanilla for different flavor profiles.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Swap out bananas for other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a twist on flavors.
• Bake as a Cake: Use this same batter to make a round cake instead of individual cupcakes!

How to Make Banana Split Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, mix together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. Combining wet and dry ingredients separately ensures that everything mixes evenly without overworking the batter.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cupcakes light and fluffy.

Step 3: Bake Your Cupcakes

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and 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. Let them cool completely before frosting; this step is crucial so that your frosting doesn’t melt!

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While those delicious cupcakes cool down, let’s whip up the frosting! Beat room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until it’s well combined. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable!

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

To make the chocolate ganache topping, heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove it from heat and stir in semisweet chocolate chips until melted and smooth. This rich ganache will add that signature sundae flavor!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread on that luscious vanilla buttercream frosting generously. Drizzle warm chocolate ganache on top followed by rainbow sprinkles for that festive touch! Finally, crown each cupcake with a maraschino cherry.

And there you have it—your very own Banana Split Cupcakes ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Split Cupcakes

Baking banana split cupcakes is a delightful journey, and a few handy tips can make your experience even more enjoyable!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be. Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness while keeping the cupcakes moist.

• Room temperature ingredients: Allow your milk and egg to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, while gentle mixing keeps them light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. This ensures they’re perfectly baked without being dry.

• Cool completely before frosting: Let your cupcakes cool on a wire rack before adding frosting and toppings. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps maintain their beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Banana Split Cupcakes

Presenting banana split cupcakes can be as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas for serving these delightful treats that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the cupcake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that mirrors the traditional banana split experience.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruits balances the sweetness of the cupcakes, offering a light counterpart.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve whipped coconut cream alongside for an airy, sweet addition that pairs well with the flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup complements dessert nicely, enhancing flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere for enjoying these sweet treats.

With these serving suggestions, your banana split cupcakes will not only taste amazing but also look irresistible on any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana Split Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for parties, celebrations, or just to have a delicious treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze the cupcakes, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cupcakes without frosting. You can frost them after thawing.

Reheating

• If you’re enjoying leftover cupcakes from the fridge, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
• For frozen cupcakes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Banana Split Cupcakes.

Can I use ripe bananas for Banana Split Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to your cupcakes, making them even more delicious.

How do I store leftover Banana Split Cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze!

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream if you prefer a lighter frosting.

Can I make Banana Split Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Banana Split Cupcakes! Their fun flavors and vibrant toppings are sure to bring smiles to every gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with your loved ones—happy baking!