Banana Pudding Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Banana Pudding Filling:
1 (3.4 oz) package instant banana pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
12-16 vanilla wafers, for garnish
Sliced bananas (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Make the Cupcakes:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
3. Bake the Cupcakes:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Banana Pudding:
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the banana pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and cold milk. Let it set in the refrigerator for 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Fill the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
Spoon or pipe the banana pudding into the center of each cupcake, filling the hole.
6. Add the Topping:
Top each cupcake with a generous dollop of whipped topping.
Garnish with a vanilla wafer on top, and if desired, add a slice of fresh banana.
7. Serve:
Serve the Banana Pudding Cupcakes immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy the combination of moist banana cake, creamy pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers!