Banana Humdingers

From the On-line Free Dictionary HUMDINGER; noun; slang; an excellent person or thing [origin unknown].

Banana Humdinger is a perfect name for my newest cupcakes because they are excellent in every way! The wonderful banana flavor with the caramel butter mixed with a hint of semi-sweet ganache is incredible and I added some balsamic vinegar to heighten the banana flavor a bit. I think these are probably the best cupcakes I've made so far this year!

Banana Humdinger Cupcakes
Recipe developed in the kitchen of Big-Black-Dog

1 c. well blended banana (about 2 medium bananas)
1 c. butter
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 TBL Balsamic Vinegar

Blend the bananas in the food processor until thoroughly mashed. In a medium sized bowl cream butter and sugar. Add bananas, vinegar and baking powder and mix. While mixing gradually add flour and eggs.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake tin with baking cups. Fill cupcake tins about 3/4 full. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe developed in the kitchen of Big-Black-Dog

12 TBL butter (1 1/2 sticks)
3-4 c. powdered sugar
5 oz cream cheese, room temperature

In a small fry pan melt butter on low heat. Without stirring, let butter brown to a golden amber color. When the butter has browned, strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Let butter cool till it becomes a soft paste. You can expedite this by putting the butter in the refrigerator but keep an eye on it so it does not completely harden.

Put soft cream cheese and 2 c. of powdered sugar in a bowl and with an hand mixer or a stand mixer cream together and add 1/2 of the butter. Add 1 c. of powdered sugar and the rest of the butter and mix thoroughly. Add more powdered sugar until the consistency is right for piping.

Fill pastry bag and with a tip of your choice frost cupcakes and decorate. I used chocolate jimmies and a slice of banana candied in butter and brown sugar.

Assembly:

Dip cooled cupcake crowns in warm Chocolate Ganache (click here for ganache recipe) and allow to completely cool. Apply frosting and decorate.



I could not resist entering my Banana Humdingers in Nutriferia's May Chocolate Roundup!

All Rights Reserved 2008 © Big Black Dog