Moist Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana cupcakes are a timeless treat that combine the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with a tender crumb.

These moist banana cupcakes feature a subtle hint of warm cinnamon spice, perfectly complemented by a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The addition of sour cream enhances the cupcakes’ texture, making them soft yet dense with a rich banana flavor.

Ideal for everything from casual snacking to special celebrations, this recipe elevates classic banana cupcakes with a frosting that balances sweetness and spice. Follow this detailed guide to bake irresistible cupcakes your family and friends will adore.

Ingredients Checklist

To create these moist, flavorful banana cupcakes topped with creamy cinnamon frosting, gather all ingredients beforehand for a seamless baking experience.

For the Banana Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour — forms the cupcake structure

• 1 teaspoon baking soda — leavens and helps rise

• 1 teaspoon baking powder — adds lift and lightness

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon — adds warmth and depth to banana flavor

• ¼ teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas) — provide moisture and natural sweetness

• 1 large egg, room temperature — binds ingredients and adds richness

• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar — adds moisture and subtle caramel notes

• ½ cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature — tenderizes crumb and adds slight tang

• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil — keeps cupcakes moist

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — rounds out flavors

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened — creamy base with slight tang

• 8 ounces (227g) unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and smooth texture

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar — sweetens and thickens

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon — warm spice flavor

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances overall taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Caramel sauce — adds sweetness and visual appeal

• Fresh banana slices — adds freshness and decorative touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

This clear, stepwise guide will help you bake and frost the perfect banana cupcakes every time.

Preparing the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until mostly smooth with a few small chunks for texture. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best for flavor and sweetness.

4. Add the egg, brown sugar, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.

5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Stir just until no dry patches remain to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.

7. Bake for 17–19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.

8. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

3. Mix in the cinnamon and vanilla extract until evenly combined. If frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to adjust consistency.

4. Chill frosting for 10–15 minutes if too soft for spreading.

Frosting the Cupcakes:

1. Once cupcakes have completely cooled, use a knife or piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to frost each cupcake generously.

2. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with fresh banana slices just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving moist, flavorful banana cupcakes with silky frosting is easy when you keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use overripe bananas: They have the highest sugar content and richest flavor.

• Room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs, sour cream, butter, and cream cheese to come to room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.

• Avoid overmixing: Stir the batter gently just until ingredients combine to keep cupcakes tender and light.

• Check baking time carefully: Oven temperatures vary; begin checking cupcakes at 17 minutes to prevent overbaking.

• Frost cupcakes only when completely cooled: Warm cupcakes will cause frosting to melt.

• Adjust frosting consistency: Add a little cream if too stiff; chill if too soft.

• Prevent banana slice browning: Add fresh slices just before serving or toss with a bit of lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your banana cupcakes with these serving ideas:

• Pair with a robust cup of coffee or a fragrant chai tea to balance sweetness.

• Present cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with banana chips and cinnamon sticks for a charming display.

• Add a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon powder on top for extra aroma and appeal.

• Serve as a delightful dessert after brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.

• For celebrations, place cupcakes in decorative liners and top with edible flowers or chopped nuts for texture.

Final Thoughts

These moist banana cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting bring together the best qualities of a classic comfort dessert.

The balance of ripe banana sweetness, gentle cinnamon spice, and luscious tangy frosting creates a treat that’s both satisfying and elegant.

By following precise ingredient preparation, mixing techniques, and baking times, you’ll produce cupcakes that delight every palate.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special event, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.