Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

The Fluffiest Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up delectable banana cream cheese cupcakes brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home with warmth and comfort.

Ripe bananas mash perfectly into tender batter, creating irresistible treats.

Creamy cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that melts in your mouth.

Soft crumbs promise a delightful experience for dessert enthusiasts.

Baking these cupcakes becomes a delightful journey of flavor and texture.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these heavenly little cakes.

What Goes with Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

  • Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: Complement the cupcakes' rich banana and cream cheese flavors with a smooth, velvety caramel latte that echoes the dessert's sweetness and warmth.
  • Match with Toasted Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the cupcakes to add a delightful nutty crunch that enhances the banana's natural earthiness.
  • Serve alongside Cinnamon-Spiced Chai: The warm, aromatic spices of chai tea beautifully balance the cupcakes' creamy texture and bring out the subtle banana undertones.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a perfect contrast to the warm, tender cupcake, offering a luxurious dessert experience.

Variations on Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from cashews or tofu.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate mashed dates for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor, and sprinkle chopped nuts on top of cream cheese filling for extra texture.

FAQs

  • What makes the cream cheese filling unique?

The cream cheese filling adds a tangy, rich center to the cupcakes, creating a delightful surprise when you bite into the soft banana cake. It provides a creamy contrast to the sweet banana flavor.

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! They’re sweeter and mash more easily, which helps create a moist and flavorful cupcake with intense banana taste.

  • How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of the batter, ensuring it’s slightly covered by the banana batter. This helps the filling stay in place during baking and creates a beautiful swirled effect.

  • Is there a way to make these cupcakes more moist?

Using ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter are key to keeping the cupcakes soft and tender. The mashed bananas naturally add moisture to the cake, creating a deliciously rich texture.

Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Overview

Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Overview
  • Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps that anyone can follow without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Combines the classic comfort of bananas with rich, creamy cream cheese for a delightful taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, birthday parties, or as a sweet treat to brighten up an ordinary day with minimal preparation time.
  • Uses common pantry staples and requires basic mixing techniques, making it an accessible and budget-friendly dessert that doesn't compromise on deliciousness.

Ingredients for Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cupcake batter.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cupcakes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.
Sweeteners and Dairy:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with the cupcakes' soft texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Cream Cheese: Forms a smooth, tangy filling that complements the banana flavor.

How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

How to Make Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute paper cupcake liners.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Mix

In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Craft the Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, start creaming:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Toss in mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, whip together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Scoop banana batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full.

Drop a spoonful of cream cheese filling right in the center of each cupcake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Devour and celebrate your baking magic!

Tips for Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Success

  • Use overripe bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and more intense banana taste in your cupcakes.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes – stir just until ingredients are combined for tender results.
  • Create a clean cream cheese filling swirl by using a piping bag or small spoon for precise placement in cupcake centers.
  • Let ingredients like eggs and butter reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more uniform batter consistency.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness while maintaining their delicious texture.

Store and Reheat Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place a paper towel between layers to prevent sticking and preserve moisture.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Remove frozen cupcakes from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy or tough texture.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their soft, fresh-baked quality without drying them out.
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Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Banana Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana cream cheese cupcakes bring delightful comfort to dessert lovers seeking pure indulgence. Sweet banana notes blend perfectly with rich cream cheese, promising a perfect balance of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling)
  • 1 large egg (for cream cheese filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing for uniform cupcakes.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking thoroughly to distribute leavening agents evenly.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cupcakes.
  4. Incorporate mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until ingredients are fully integrated and texture is consistent.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  6. In a separate bowl, whip cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the filling becomes silky and well-combined.
  7. Distribute banana batter into muffin liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Carefully spoon cream cheese filling into the center of each cupcake, creating a delightful surprise within the batter.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cupcake’s center.
  10. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, preserving their delicate texture.

Notes

  • Opt for ripe, spotty bananas to maximize natural sweetness and create a more intense banana flavor in your cupcakes.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough, dense cupcakes.
  • Create a swirled effect by using a toothpick to lightly drag the cream cheese filling through the banana batter before baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cupcakes’ tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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