0.5cupunsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1cupgranulated sugar
2largeeggs, at room temperature
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
0.5cupbuttermilk, at room temperature
1largeripe banana, thoroughly mashed
0.5cupinstant vanilla pudding mix
1cupheavy cream, chilled
2tablespoonspowdered sugar
to tastefresh banana slices and additional whipped cream for topping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
Gently fold in the mashed banana and instant vanilla pudding mix until the batter is smooth.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
Once cooled, scoop out a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish with fresh banana slices on top of the whipped cream and pipe additional whipped cream decoratively over the banana slices.
Notes
Display the cupcakes on a decorative platter and add a few whole bananas as a rustic centerpiece.