These Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are the perfect blend of two classic desserts—banana cream pie and fluffy cupcakes. They feature soft, tender cupcakes filled with creamy banana pudding and topped with a light, airy whipped cream frosting. The result is a bite-sized dessert that’s full of banana flavor and irresistibly indulgent.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes. So, let’s grab those mixing bowls and get baking!
Ingredients for Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
To make these delicious Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients. I’ve broken them into three parts: the cupcakes, the creamy banana filling, and the whipped topping.
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream (adds moisture and tenderness)
Banana Cream Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (to make the filling extra luscious)
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Banana slices (for decoration, add just before serving)
- Vanilla wafer cookies or graham cracker crumbs for a pie-like finish
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a polished look
These simple ingredients come together to create soft, fluffy cupcakes with a creamy, banana-infused center and a light, airy topping. I promise, these will look as good as they taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cupcakes tender.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Step 3: Make the Banana Cream Filling
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the banana cream filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
To make the filling extra luscious, fold in the heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fill the cupcakes.
Step 4: Fill the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to add the creamy banana filling. Using a small paring knife or cupcake corer, cut out a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Save the removed tops for later.
Spoon or pipe the banana cream filling into each hole, filling it to the top. If you like, place the small piece of cupcake back over the filling to “seal” it in.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want the topping to stay light and fluffy.
Step 6: Decorate the Cupcakes
Using a piping bag or a spoon, swirl the whipped cream onto the top of each cupcake. For that classic banana cream pie look, garnish each cupcake with a slice of banana, a vanilla wafer cookie, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
Serve the cupcakes immediately, or chill them for 30 minutes to let the flavors come together and the filling set.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Don’t Overmix the Batter
To keep the cupcakes light and fluffy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in dense, tough cupcakes. - Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Bring your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before starting. Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly, giving you a smooth batter and better cupcake texture. - Chill the Banana Filling
After preparing the banana cream filling, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes. This ensures it’s thick enough to hold its shape when filling the cupcakes. - Core the Cupcakes Properly
Use a cupcake corer, small paring knife, or even a teaspoon to create a neat hole in the center of each cupcake. This makes it easy to add the filling without damaging the structure of the cupcake. - Whip the Cream Carefully
When making the whipped cream topping, stop beating as soon as soft peaks form. Overbeating can turn the cream grainy or even into butter. - Add Bananas at the Last Minute
Banana slices used as a garnish can brown quickly. To keep them looking fresh, slice the bananas right before serving and lightly brush them with lemon juice to prevent browning. - Chill Before Serving
Chilling the cupcakes for 30 minutes before serving allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. This extra step makes the cupcakes even more delicious! - Storage Tip
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making them ahead, wait to add the banana slices until just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
These Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors and sides can make them even more special. Here are some ideas to serve them in style:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cupcakes makes for a cool and creamy dessert pairing. The combination of cold ice cream and soft banana cupcakes is simply irresistible.
- Fresh fruit platters with strawberries, kiwi, or pineapple add a refreshing contrast to the rich banana cream. For inspiration, try pairing these cupcakes with this tangy peach jalapeño jam as a sweet and spicy twist.
- A cup of coffee or tea is the perfect companion for these cupcakes. The warmth of the drink balances the creamy filling and light whipped topping beautifully. For a unique treat, consider serving them with a warm slice of cottage cheese bread on the side.
- Make it a dessert table by pairing these cupcakes with other treats like carrot cake cookies or fluffy pancakes. These options provide variety and will impress any crowd at a party or gathering.
- Garnish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. This takes the presentation and flavor of your cupcakes to the next level.
With these serving suggestions, your Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes will shine at brunches, parties, or casual family desserts. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or as part of a dessert spread, they’re sure to be the star of the show!
FAQs About Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes
1. How do you keep bananas from turning brown in a banana cream pie?
To keep bananas from turning brown, lightly coat them with lemon juice or lime juice. The acidity slows down the oxidation process, keeping the bananas fresh and vibrant. You can also use pineapple juice for a sweeter alternative that won’t affect the flavor of the dessert. Always slice the bananas just before serving for the freshest look.
2. What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
The key to moist cupcakes is using ingredients that add moisture without making the batter too dense. In this recipe, the combination of sour cream and milk helps keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy. Additionally, avoid overbaking—remove the cupcakes as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Overmixing the batter can also dry out cupcakes, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Why is my banana cream pie filling runny?
If your banana cream pie filling is runny, it’s likely due to improper setting or measurement of ingredients. Be sure to whisk the instant pudding mix and milk thoroughly until thickened. If using homemade custard, ensure it’s cooked long enough to thicken properly and cool completely before using. Chill the filling for at least 15–30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. What is banana cream pie made of?
Banana cream pie typically consists of a flaky pie crust or graham cracker base, filled with banana pudding or custard, fresh banana slices, and topped with whipped cream. It’s a creamy, layered dessert that perfectly combines sweet banana flavor with light, airy textures.
Conclusion: Bake These Irresistible Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes Today!
In conclusion, these Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes combine the best of both worlds—classic banana cream pie and fluffy, handheld cupcakes. With their tender cake base, luscious banana cream filling, and light whipped cream topping, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish with fresh bananas and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for that picture-perfect finish. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to these delightful banana cream pie cupcakes today!
Happy baking!
