Banana Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Banana Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet dreams come true with these decadent banana caramel peanut butter cupcakes that blend rich, creamy flavors into a heavenly dessert.

Each cupcake delivers a perfect balance of soft banana cake and indulgent peanut butter frosting.

caramel drizzles cascade over the tender crumb, creating an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

The combination of ripe bananas and smooth peanut butter creates a magical harmony of tastes.

Silky frosting peaks with golden caramel streams make these cupcakes a showstopping dessert for any occasion.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible confection.

Prepare to be transported to dessert paradise with these mouthwatering cupcakes that promise pure bliss in every single bite.

What Makes Banana Caramel Cupcakes So Special

  • Boost Heart Health: Packed with oats and avocado oil, these cookies help lower cholesterol naturally while satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple modifications like swapping raisins for nuts or adding different spices to match personal taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: Nutritious ingredients create a guilt-free dessert that kids and adults will love, making it perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
  • Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing method mean anyone can create these delicious, heart-healthy cookies without advanced baking skills.

What You’ll Need for Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A primary ingredient that provides structure to the cupcake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a soft crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture to the cupcakes.
Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas, Sour Cream: Ensure the cupcakes remain moist and add a tangy depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall taste profile of the cupcakes.
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cupcakes rise and balance the flavors.
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
  • Creamy Peanut Butter, Caramel Sauce: Create a decadent and rich topping for the cupcakes.
  • Chopped Peanuts, Banana Slices: Provide a crunchy texture and additional visual appeal.

Follow These Steps for Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Follow These Steps for Banana Caramel Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with colorful cupcake liners that’ll make your treats pop.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and combine these powdery friends:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Give them a good mix so they become best buddies.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Base

In a large bowl, take your softened butter and sugar.

Beat them together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and dreamy.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Crack your eggs one by one into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the vanilla extract and blend until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Banana Cream Magic

Fold in your mashed bananas and sour cream.

Stir until they create a luscious, creamy base that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Marry the Mixtures

Gently add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir carefully until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Homes

Distribute the batter evenly into your cupcake liners.

Fill each about two-thirds full, giving them room to rise and shine.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 9: Decorate with Delight

Once cooled, spread creamy peanut butter frosting on top. Drizzle with rich caramel sauce.

Sprinkle chopped peanuts for crunch and garnish with fresh banana slices.

Helpful Details When Making Banana Caramel Cupcakes

  • Ensure bananas are completely mashed without lumps for a smooth, consistent cupcake texture.
  • Let butter, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature to blend more easily and create a lighter crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to fill cupcake liners evenly, ensuring uniform baking and size.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain a clean, attractive appearance.

Fun Twists on Banana Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

  • Vegan Banana Caramel Cupcakes: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt. Use vegan caramel and peanut butter for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Banana Treat: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly cupcakes.
  • Chocolate Lover's Banana Cupcake: Add cocoa powder to the batter and use chocolate peanut butter for frosting. Drizzle with dark chocolate caramel sauce for extra richness.

Tasty Matches with Banana Caramel Cupcakes

  • Pair with Rich Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to complement the sweet and nutty flavors of the cupcakes. The robust coffee cuts through the richness of the peanut butter and caramel.
  • Serve with Smooth Dessert Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or late harvest Riesling. Its honeyed notes will enhance the caramel and banana undertones in the cupcake.
  • Match with Creamy Milk: Pour a cold glass of whole milk to balance the intense flavors. The smooth, neutral milk provides a refreshing contrast to the decadent cupcake.
  • Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a side of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cupcake. The cool, creamy texture and subtle vanilla flavor will beautifully highlight the banana and caramel elements.

Keeping Banana Caramel Cupcakes Fresh Longer

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain frosting integrity.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain freshness.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, thaw completely before gently warming to prevent moisture loss.

FAQs

  • Are these cupcakes good for kids?

Yes, kids love these cupcakes! The sweet banana flavor and creamy peanut butter frosting make them a fun treat that children enjoy.

  • Can I use overripe bananas?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they’re sweeter and mash easily, adding more moisture and flavor to the cupcakes.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make these?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and straightforward. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create delicious cupcakes even if you’re new to baking.

  • Is it okay to substitute ingredients?

You can make minor substitutions like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or almond butter instead of peanut butter, but major changes might affect the texture and taste.

Print
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Banana Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Banana Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy banana caramel peanut butter cupcakes melt together classic comfort flavors with irresistible Southern charm. Delicate layers of sweet banana, rich caramel, and smooth peanut butter create a heavenly dessert you’ll crave after just one bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) mashed ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) creamy peanut butter

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped peanuts
  • Banana slices (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  5. Fold mashed bananas and sour cream into the mixture, creating a creamy and rich texture.
  6. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a light batter consistency.
  7. Distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  9. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Once cooled, generously spread peanut butter frosting across the surface of each cupcake.
  11. Artfully drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle chopped peanuts for added crunch.
  12. Optionally garnish with delicate banana slice for a decorative finish.

Notes

  • Boost banana flavor by using overripe, heavily speckled bananas for deeper, sweeter taste.
  • Prevent dry cupcakes by carefully measuring flour and avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring equal measurements.
  • For dairy-free adaptation, replace butter with coconut oil and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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