🧁 Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

These Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a heavenly treat — soft, moist, and full of sweet banana flavor topped with silky, spiced cream cheese frosting. Think of them as banana bread dressed up for a party!

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, these cupcakes are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. The warm cinnamon pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese, creating a bakery-worthy topping that complements every bite of the fluffy banana cupcake underneath.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Super moist banana cupcakes that melt in your mouth.
✅ Warm cinnamon frosting that’s creamy, tangy, and spiced just right.
✅ Simple ingredients you probably already have.
✅ Perfect for any occasion — from family gatherings to bake sales.

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Banana Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but adds depth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)

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For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

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Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until smooth.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.

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Step 3: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fluffy.
Beat in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated.

If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

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Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost generously using a piping bag or a spatula.
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed pecans on top for a finishing touch.

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🍌 Tips for Perfect Banana Cupcakes

✨ Use very ripe bananas — the spottier, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
✨ Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour — it keeps the cupcakes tender.
✨ Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
✨ Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before adding frosting.

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🍯 Flavor Variations

• Maple Twist: Replace vanilla with maple extract and drizzle maple syrup over the frosting.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter.
• Coconut Banana Cupcakes: Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for tropical flair.
• Mocha Cinnamon Frosting: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to the frosting for a subtle coffee flavor.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

These Banana Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of cozy, creamy, and sweet. The banana cake is soft and full of flavor, while the cinnamon-kissed frosting adds that comforting warmth that makes every bite unforgettable.

They’re elegant enough for parties and simple enough for weekday baking — a dessert that brings smiles every time.

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