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Banana Caramel Cupcakes

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Moist banana cupcakes meet rich, buttery caramel in this dreamy dessert. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of ripe bananas and creamy caramel frosting—perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

For the Caramel Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream

  • 22 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Optional Caramel Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Make the Batter:

In a large bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, mashed bananas, and sour cream. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Bake:

Spoon the batter evenly into liners (about 3/4 full). Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

5. Prepare the Caramel Frosting:

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and smooth. Add milk and boil gently for 1 minute. Let it cool slightly, then beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

6. Optional Caramel Drizzle:

In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until amber-colored. Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter and cream (careful—it’ll bubble). Add a pinch of salt and cool slightly before drizzling.

7. Assemble:

Frost cupcakes with caramel frosting and drizzle with caramel sauce. Add banana chips or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.


Serving Suggestions:

  • Top with banana chips or a walnut for crunch

  • Pair with a latte or spiced chai

  • Serve slightly warm for a cozy vibe

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness

  • Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting

  • For extra caramel flavor, fill the center with a spoonful of caramel sauce before frosting


Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overmixing the batter = dense cupcakes

  • Skipping the cooling step = melty frosting

  • Using under-ripe bananas = less flavor


Storage Instructions:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days

  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months

  • Reheat lightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if serving warm


 

Enjoy your Banana Caramel Cupcakes — they’re sweet, fluffy, and totally irresistible!