Happy Birthday Cupcakes!

As a cake decorator, I am of course expected to make a gorgeous cake for every one of my own birthdays (this expectation mostly comes from me!) However this year I decided to take a different route and bake some cupcakes instead. I personally am not a huge fan of cupcakes ::pause for gasps:: Perhaps it is because I often find them to have too much frosting for such little cake, or because I find regular chocolate or vanilla cupcakes a little boring. Whichever it may be, this time I did it my way. My Chocolate-Banana cupcakes with Chocolate & Cream Cheese Frosting were the best birthday gift I have ever given myself!

I know some people frown upon baked goods that are not totally from scratch, but hear me out! Some delicious things can come from modifying a cake mix...these cupcakes included. For these, I used a Devil's Food mix. But instead of the usual oil and water, I substituted butter and whole milk. It gives the cake amazing texture and more taste. Then I added a whole banana, as ripe as I could find. ** Lastly, I threw in some semi-sweet chocolate chunks, for more texture. I just love the yummy surprise of biting into a chocolate chunk inside a brownie or piece of cake!

For the frosting, I used cream cheese, some powdered sugar, cocoa powder and a splash of whole milk. It's simple and so delicious and creamy.

Two good friends of mine inspired these cupcakes with their own amazing baking, and I am so happy I gave it a go. It definitely will not be the last time I make them!

**TIP: If you want to speed up this ripening process for the banana, try leaving it in a plastic bag, in the oven (oven OFF). This was a tip from my mother, which worked (to my surprise). Mom knows best!