For the Cupcakes:
- 1 stick of butter, melted and given time to cool, like the setting sun
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the essence of comfort
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, a whisper from the sea
- 2 eggs, the twin pillars of structure
- ½ cup of granulated sugar, sweet as a tender touch
- ½ cup of brown sugar, rich with molasses notes
- 1 ½ cups of bananas, mashed into creamy oblivion
- ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt, tangy and thick
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a dash of autumn warmth
- ½ cup of buttermilk, the old-time secret to tenderness
- 2 cups of flour, sifted like snowflakes
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda, the lift behind the rise
For the Banana Pudding Center:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed into a sweet paste
- 50 grams of vanilla pudding mix, the quick path to custard
- 1 cup of milk, the silk that binds
For the Stabilized Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups of cold heavy cream, ready to become clouds
- ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, a gentle sweetener
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a double act of flavor
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla instant pudding, the magic stabilizer
Creating the Cupcake Sensation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), line a cupcake pan with the paper caress of liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled butter, eggs, vanilla, sugars, buttermilk, salt, bananas, cinnamon, and Greek yogurt until they're as one.
- Fold in the flour and baking soda, mixing until just united, being wary of overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.
- With an ice cream scoop, portion the batter into the cupcake liners, and bake until they pass the toothpick test.
- Cool the cupcakes on a wire rack, giving them space and time to rest.
Filling with Joy:
- For the pudding, combine the pudding mix, mashed banana, and milk, stirring until it's thickened into a sweet embrace.
- Carve a small well in each cupcake, a cozy nest for the filling, and fill them with the banana pudding mixture.
Crowning with Whipped Cream:
- Whip the heavy cream, pudding mix, vanilla, and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form, a whipped cream fit for royalty.
- Adorn each cupcake with a piped swirl of this whipped vanilla crown.
Baker's Notes:
- Room-temperature ingredients are the best friends of a smooth batter.
- Stir the flour with a spoon before measuring to avoid a heavy cupcake.
- A moment of patience ensures the cupcakes are cool enough to be frosted without a meltdown.
- Always check your leaveners to ensure they're ready to breathe life into your bake.
Serve these banana pudding cupcakes with pride, each a perfect blend of moist banana cake, creamy center, and light-as-air whipped topping, a confection that's sure to charm your taste buds. Enjoy the baking and the delightful indulgence that follows!