The best part about taste testing a recipe for cupcakes is that you can get a dozen opinions. This week for my magazine recipe review I decided to bake the banana cupcakes with honey-cinnamon frosting from the March issue of Everyday Food. I was intrigued by idea of the spiced buttercream. In my experience, most banana cakes are slathered in sugary cream cheese concoctions, of which I’m not the biggest fan. (Is that a horrible thing to admit as a foodie? What’s your take on cream cheese vs. buttercream frosting?)
Initially, I was concerned that my cupcakes would lack complexity and depth. Only white sugar was called for, not dark brown, and the bananas I had on hand were ripe but not overly so (I prefer to bake with bananas that are spotted and mushy). But it turned out that my fears were unfounded. The cupcakes were moist, tender, and full of banana chunks. They puffed up perfectly and had lovely, golden tops. And the frosting? A surprising blend of spicy and sweet, thanks in large part to the subtle hint of honey.
As with any buttercream, the amount of confectioners sugar needed can vary, and I ended up using about 1/2 cup more than was called for. Other than that, I made no adjustments to the recipe. And based on the happy reactions of eleven of my friends (I saved the biggest one myself, of course!), I won’t the next time I bake them either.
Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting
Adapted from the March 2008 issue of Everyday Food
