Banana Split Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back sweet childhood memories, you’ve come to the right place! These Banana Split Cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic sundae, combining moist banana flavor with rich vanilla buttercream and a luscious chocolate ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just need a pick-me-up during a busy weeknight, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles all around!

What makes this recipe truly special is not just the taste but also the joy of decorating each cupcake with colorful sprinkles and a cherry on top. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat just for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these cupcakes ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids love them! The combination of flavors is always a hit with both young and old.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of banana, buttercream, and chocolate ganache is pure bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything you need to create these scrumptious Banana Split Cupcakes!

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 Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For Toppings:

• 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
• 12 maraschino cherries

Variations

Feel free to have fun with this recipe! It’s quite flexible, allowing you to customize your Banana Split Cupcakes just the way you like them. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and complement the banana flavor.
• Try different frostings: Swap out the vanilla buttercream for chocolate or even strawberry frosting!
• Make mini cupcakes: If you’re after bite-sized treats, this recipe can easily be adapted for mini cupcakes.
• Experiment with fillings: Try adding a dollop of whipped cream or fruit preserves in the center for an extra surprise.

How to Make Banana Split Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepping your tin ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove once they’re done.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step combines all dry ingredients thoroughly so that they work their magic in creating fluffy cupcakes.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your cupcakes.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cupcakes light and airy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cupcakes

Scoop the batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting—this step is crucial for keeping that buttercream smooth!

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

While your cupcakes cool, prepare the buttercream by beating room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Then add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

To make the ganache, heat heavy cream until it’s just about boiling. Pour it over chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth. This rich topping adds an irresistible touch.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with vanilla buttercream. Drizzle with warm chocolate ganache and top with rainbow sprinkles and a maraschino cherry for that classic finish!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Banana Split Cupcakes! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent treat at home.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Split Cupcakes

Baking is all about enjoying the process and creating something delicious, so here are some tips to help your banana split cupcakes be the best they can be!

• Use ripe bananas: The more overripe the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cupcakes will be. They contribute moisture and a rich banana flavor that’s essential for this recipe.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Preheat your oven fully: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing your cupcakes inside. This ensures they rise properly and bake evenly.

• Let them cool completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting them. This prevents the icing from melting and helps maintain its beautiful shape.

How to Serve Banana Split Cupcakes

These banana split cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Drizzle with extra chocolate ganache: A little drizzle on top adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a delightful crunch and enhance the classic banana split experience.
• Top with fresh fruit: A slice of fresh banana or a few strawberries can brighten up the presentation while adding freshness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these cupcakes, mimicking the classic sundae experience.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of the cupcakes while adding a healthy touch to your dessert spread.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a lighter option, serve with whipped coconut cream, which adds a lovely tropical flavor that meshes well with bananas.
• Chocolate sauce: Serve with a side of chocolate sauce for drizzling over both cupcakes and ice cream—because who doesn’t love extra chocolate?

Now you’re all set to whip up these delightful banana split cupcakes! Enjoy every bite and share them with friends and family for smiles all around. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana Split Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time for parties, special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before freezing.
• Place each cupcake in individual freezer bags or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cupcakes, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Once thawed, you can warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Banana Split Cupcakes!

Can I make Banana Split Cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) to achieve similar moisture and binding.

How do I store Banana Split Cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well!

What makes these Banana Split Cupcakes special?

These cupcakes capture the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split sundae with moist banana cake, creamy frosting, rich chocolate ganache, and colorful sprinkles!

Can I use different toppings on my Banana Split Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with different sprinkles, nuts, or even drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these delightful Banana Split Cupcakes! They bring together all the joy of a classic dessert in a fun and portable form. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just because you deserve a treat, I’m sure you’ll love every bite! Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet delights with your loved ones—happy cupcake making!