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Irresistible Banana Cinnamon Pecan Cupcakes Recipe

4.4 from 313 reviews

These Irresistible Banana Cinnamon Pecan Cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced treats. Made with ripe mashed banana, warming cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, they are topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and garnished with chopped pecans. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion that calls for a delightful homemade cupcake.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup after baking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined for consistent rise and flavor.
  3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed banana using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Everything: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined to avoid overmixing and dense cupcakes.
  5. Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed for texture and flavor in every bite.
  6. Fill & Bake: Spoon or scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until creamy and spreadable.
  8. Frost and Garnish: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped pecans for garnish.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
  • Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
  • The cupcakes should be fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a nut-free option, omit the pecans and consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit instead.

Keywords: banana cupcakes, cinnamon pecan cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, homemade cupcakes, moist banana dessert, nutty cupcakes