BANANA CUPCAKES WITH MOLASSES FROSTING

Banana Cupcakes with Molasses Frosting image

Provided by Wendy Rusch

Categories Cakes

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
3 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed with 1 tsp lemon juice
1 c buttermilk
1/2 c walnuts, chopped, if desired
frosting:
1/2 c butter
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 c molasses
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
5 c powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a 12 cupcake tin with liners.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing very well after each addition. Add in vanilla and bananas, mixing well. Mix in half the flour mixture, then buttermilk and then remaining flour mixture, mixing well after each addition but only until just moistened. Stir in nuts, if desired.
4. Fill liners 3/4 full. Bake 17-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. Frosting: Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, add molasses and vanilla, mixing well, then 1 c of powdered sugar at a time, mixing very well. May add a little milk to make for easier spreading consistency, if needed.