This idea has been simmering in my brain for a couple of weeks, refusing to be ignored, so I finally pulled out all the stops and made my dream cupcakes. Surprisingly, they turned out exactly as I had imagined! That almost never happens; usually I just adjust my expectations to meet the reality I’ve created.
You could probably see the big smile on my face right now if it wasn’t covered with melted chocolate.
I started with a Neapolitan cupcake, topped it with a cherry surrounded by fresh banana whipped icing, and dipped the top in a simple chocolate shell. Of course I had to sample one. And then there were the ones that I cut in half for photos…couldn’t let those go to waste! I put the uneaten cupcakes in the freezer because I found that they’re even better frozen to remove further temptation.
Doing the happy dance, and sharing these Banana Split Cupcakes (aka: HolyCrapWhatHaveIDoneI’mGonnaGain15PoundsThisWeekForSure Cupcakes) with you.
I made two batches, one from scratch and one using a boxed mix. Although my recipe is a little more generous, I have to admit the boxed cake worked perfectly, so I’ll leave that decision up to you. If you want to try it from scratch, I used half of a batch of my homemade white cake mix. Otherwise, just use your favorite white cake mix – the kind that uses only egg whites.
| Banana Split Cupcakes | Print |
- One batch prepared white cake mix
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- red food coloring (if desired)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon strong coffee (or substitute water)
- ICING:
- ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 medium bananas, ripe but not spotty. Cut out any dark spots and mash well.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 pounds powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- CHOCOLATE SHELL:
- 10 ounces good quality dark chocolate (I use 70% cocoa)
- 2 level tablespoons coconut oil
- Maraschino cherries.
- Sprinkles, if desired
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- Line two cupcake pans with paper or foil liners
- Separate cake mix evenly into 3 small bowls
- In the first bowl, add the strawberry jam and a couple of drops of food coloring and stir until mixed.
- In the second bowl, add the cocoa and coffee (or water) and stir until mixed.
- Add nothing to the third bowl.
- Using a separate teaspoon for each color, work with one cupcake at a time, dropping a spoonful of each color in the bottom of the cup, and then repeating for a second layer, varying the color (so vanilla goes on top of strawberry or chocolate). Fill each about ⅔ full. (Don't try to put all of one color in the cups at a time or the batter will level before the next color is added.)
- Bake 20 minutes. If toothpick comes out clean when inserted into a cupcake, remove from oven and cool completely on rack.
- ICING:
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, mashed banana, and vanilla until well mixed - at least 1 minute.
- Slowly beat in 2 pounds of powdered sugar. When combined, turn speed to medium and beat for 1 minute.
- Add whipping cream and remaining powdered sugar and beat on medium for 2 minutes, or until thick and fluffy.
- Pipe a spiral of icing, beginning a little inside the edge of each cupcake top, and ending in the middle. Place cherry in the center of each cupcake. Working from the top, looking straight down at the cupcake, repeat the spiral, this time generously working around the cherry and ending in a peak, completely enclosing the cherry in icing. As each cupcake is done, place it on a baking sheet.
- Immediately place cupcakes in freezer for 1 hour.
- CHOCOLATE COATING:
- Break chocolate into small pieces. In a cup or small bowl in the microwave (or in small pan on the stove) slowly melt chocolate and coconut oil together. It's important to melt it very slowly at low heat.
- Stir very well.
- Remove cupcakes from the freezer and dip each into chocolate, bringing the chocolate all the way to the paper liner. Hold upside down until it quits dripping. Set on serving platter. (If you are using sprinkles, add them quickly before the chocolate hardens.)
- Serve immediately or keep chilled for best results.
Hints:
- If you get overly generous with the batter and your cupcakes have a “pillow top”, just use a sharp knife to trim the excess. It will get covered with chocolate and no one will know.
- If the icing is too soft to work with, add a little extra powdered sugar or chill briefly. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream.
- There is a generous amount of icing, so if you want to you can poke the piping tip into the cupcake before you begin icing, and add a little bit of filling. Don’t add too much or your cupcake will blow up – not a pretty look 😉
- Dry the cherries in a couple of layers of paper towel before using.
First layer. Do it again, varying the color combination.
Baked and cooled
Trim if necessary.
Beginning the second spiral.
Pipe up and over cherry. Freeze for 1 hour.
Melting the chocolate. Go slow!
Dip. More than this…all the way to the liner!
Drying on the rack. Now’s the time to add sprinkles if you’d like.
So. How am I going to top these babies? I honestly don’t think I can. Oh oh – I think I just challenged myself! We’ll see….after gardening season!
Lorinda
Are you like some kind of cupcake savant? These are brilliant! I have avoided any cake recipe that says “banana split” because they always look wet and gloopy. Now this version I can enjoy
The photos seem to show a very light cake; almost angel-cake texture. Is that how your homemade recipe turns out, or are you showing the mix version?
This is the mix version. I didn’t like the way the first batch (scratch) was layered. I have to admit, boxed cakes are usually lighter. Thanks, M.
I like to try the easy way first, so will use mix. But I’m sure the from-scratch version, even if not as light, has a bit more flavor.
You have posted many mouth watering recipes but I think this cupcake is the most mouth watering, drool worthy cupcake I have ever seen. I am in total awe of your talent and creativity. I would give anything to have one in my hot little hand right now.
If you didn’t live so darn far away, I’d be happy to oblige! Thank you very much – you’re a sweetheart.
One of these when I come to visit you and the kids, Daisy and Otis, I want some of these cupcakes and a few other delicious delicacies!
You’ve got it!
this is too good to be true.. these would be such a lovely birthday surprise !
Thank you, Lola! They’re a bit of a challenge to eat…you kind of have to just bite into them like an ice cream cone, but you won’t be disappointed!