Banana Split Cupcake Creation

Name: Banana Split Cupcake Creation
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Chopped nuts (optional); Maraschino cherries; Chocolate sprinkles

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I’ve always been a fan of the classic banana split, and transforming it into a cupcake was a delicious challenge I couldn’t resist. Combining the vibrant flavors of banana, chocolate, and vanilla in a cupcake format offers a fun twist to an old favorite. I put my heart into this recipe, ensuring the cupcakes are moist and flavorful, topped with decadent frosting and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes promise joy in every bite.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:33:28.412Z

When I started experimenting with this Banana Split Cupcake recipe, I knew I had to pay homage to the original dessert while capturing its essence in a cupcake form. I discovered that adding ripe bananas directly into the batter enhances the moisture and natural sweetness of the cupcakes, making them incredibly soft and delightful.

As I was decorating, I realized that the key to achieving that classic banana split look was all in the toppings. I opted for a swirl of chocolate and vanilla frosting, topped with crushed nuts and a cherry, which made each cupcake not only tasty but visually appealing too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delectable banana flavor enhanced by rich chocolate and vanilla
Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
A fun and creative twist on a classic dessert

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving a moist and flavorful banana cupcake lies in the bananas themselves. Be sure to use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots; this indicates greater sweetness and enhanced flavor. If you're short on time, you can speed up the ripening process by placing the bananas in a paper bag for a day or two.

The combination of sour cream in the batter contributes to the cupcakes' moistness and fluffy texture, acting as an acid to balance the sweet flavors. For a healthier twist, you could substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, which will also enhance the protein content without compromising texture.

While this recipe calls for unsalted butter, using salted butter can also work well, just remember to reduce the added salt slightly to maintain the cupcake's balance of flavors. If you prefer a dairy-free version, experimenting with coconut oil or a plant-based butter can yield similar delicious results.

Mastering the Mixing Process

When cream the butter and sugar together, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed. This step incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a light texture. If you're using a stand mixer, remember to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients blend evenly.

For the dry ingredients, be sure to whisk them thoroughly to avoid clumps. This not only helps in evenly distributing the baking powder and baking soda but also prevents uneven rising. Taking the time at this stage can drastically affect the final texture of your cupcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully and evenly.

After combining the mixtures, be careful not to overmix. Stopping the mixing as soon as no flour streaks remain will prevent the cupcakes from becoming dense. Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps maintain that lightness, yielding cupcakes that are fluffy and tender.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delightful Banana Split Cupcakes.

Cupcake Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

Chopped nuts (optional)
Maraschino cherries
Chocolate sprinkles

With these ingredients, you're ready to create the perfect banana split-inspired cupcakes!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Banana Split Cupcakes:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Bananas

Add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, and mix until just combined.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with the chocolate frosting.

Decorate

Top each cupcake with chopped nuts, a cherry, and chocolate sprinkles.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Split Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For an extra banana flavor, you can add banana extract to the frosting or batter. Always use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.

Tips for Successful Frosting

For the chocolate frosting, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this ensures a creamy texture. Beat the butter until it’s glossy and pale, about 2-3 minutes, before gradually adding the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. This will help avoid a gritty texture and give you a smooth frosting that's easy to spread.

If your frosting is too stiff, add a splash of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it becomes too runny, you can fix it by adding additional powdered sugar. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust sweetness as needed, especially since the balance should complement the rich banana flavors.

Consider using piping bags to frost the cupcakes for a more visually appealing finish. Using a star tip can create beautiful swirls that not only enhance the presentation but also allow you to control the amount of frosting on each cupcake.

Creative Serving Suggestions

These banana split cupcakes can be customized for various themes or occasions. For a festive touch, consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting, which not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal. You can also try substituting the chocolate sprinkles with crushed graham crackers to mimic the texture of traditional banana splits.

For a fun addition, you might create a cupcake bar where guests can customize their own toppings. Providing options like whipped cream, toasted coconut, or even different flavored frostings can transform this recipe into an interactive dessert experience.

If you have leftover cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To extend their life, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to frost them after thawing to ensure the frosting maintains its texture and taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, the cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Just frost them closer to serving time for the best texture.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

→ Can I substitute the butter in the frosting?

Yes, you can use cream cheese or a dairy-free substitute for a different flavor or to accommodate dietary needs.

→ What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts.