Banana Pudding Cupcakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 ripe bananas, mashed
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ For the Filling

10 - 1 box (3.4-ounce) instant banana pudding mix
11 - 2 cups cold milk

→ For the Topping

12 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
13 - 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - Vanilla wafer cookies for garnish
16 - Banana slices for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
07 - In a medium bowl, whisk together instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes until set.
08 - In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
09 - Once cupcakes are cooled, use a knife or cupcake corer to cut out a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with the prepared banana pudding using a spoon or piping bag. Top with whipped cream.
10 - Place a vanilla wafer on top of each cupcake. If desired, add a fresh banana slice for decoration. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

# Notes:

01 - Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.
02 - For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor in the cupcake batter.