Banana Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting Recipe

Photo by: Taste of Home

90% would make again

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Using extra-ripe bananas in this recipe ensures the cupcakes will be sweet and moist. The ganache frosting is made even fluffier with the addition of marshmallow creme. —Stephanie Lelo, Grand Rapids, Michigan

• 21 Servings
• Prep: 45 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1-1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas (2 to 3 medium)
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 
  FROSTING:
• 7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
• 1/2 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, oil, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and pecans.
• Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• For frosting, in a small saucepan, melt chocolate with cream over low heat; stir until blended. Remove from the heat. Transfer to a small bowl; cool until mixture reaches room temperature.
• In a large bowl, cream shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in marshmallow creme and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture. Beat until light and fluffy. Frost cupcakes. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen.

Banana Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting published in Taste of Home's Cupcake of the Week Newsletter , p3/30/09

Banana Basics

Look for plump bananas that are evenly yellow-colored. Green bananas are under-ripe, while a flecking of brown flecks indicates ripeness. If bananas are too green, place in a paper bag until ripe. Adding an apple to the bag will speed the process. Store ripe bananas at room temperature. To prevent bruises, a banana hook or hanger is a great inexpensive investment. For longer storage, you can place ripe bananas in a tightly sealed plastic bag and refrigerate. The peel will become brown but the flesh will remain unchanged. One pound of bananas equals about 3 medium or 1-1/3 cups mashed.