Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Here is an old recipe that I have adapted but can easily be made as simple banana muffins or bread.  The chocolate buttercream is very light and made for a nice combination with the banana cake.  Thanks to my new camera the pictures are much improved :)  Enjoy!


Ingredients
Cupcakes

• 3 large ripe bananas
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 oz peanut butter chips (optional)

Chocolate Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ confectioners' sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (I used heavy cream)

1. Preheat oven to 350°, line muffin tin with paper liners

2. Mash bananas well and mix with beaten egg

3. Add sugar and mix thoroughly 

4. Melt butter and add to banana mixture

5. Sift together dry ingredients and add to banana mixture

6. Fold in peanut butter chips

7. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes - let cool completely before frosting

8. For Frosting: in large mixing bowl cream butter on medium, sift confectioners sugar and cocoa powder into mixing bowl and mix on low until combined. Add vanilla extract, salt, and milk/heavy cream and beat on medium for 3 minutes. Add more sugar if the consistency is too thin and add more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) if consistency is too thick.

Recipe can be adapted to banana bread - bake for 40 - 50 minutes (depending on pan size)

Please find original Chocolate Buttercream Frosting recipe here