Ingredients

½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick), softened to room temperature

½cuplight sugar,or dark brown, packed

¾cupgranulated sugar

3large eggs,room temperature

1½cupsbanana,(about 3 large), very ripe, mashed

2tsppure vanilla extract

2cupsall-purpose flour,spooned and leveled

1tspbaking soda

½tspground cinnamon

1tspsalt

½cupbuttermilk

1cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips

4ozstrawberry cream cheese,softened to room temperature

¼cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature

1cupconfectioners’ sugar

⅛tspsalt,to taste

strawberry slices

chocolate chips,additional to sprinkle on top, optional

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-count muffin pans with 18 cupcake liners. Set aside.

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until creamed.

With the mixer running on low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla, beating at low speed for about 1 minute.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, stirring by hand after each addition.

Add the milk and stir until combined. The batter will be lumpy. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Spoon the batter evenly into 18 cupcake liners. Fill the unused cups one-third full with water to prevent warping.

Bake each batch for 17 to 19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for 1 minute.

Switch the mixer to low speed and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar. Switch to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until combined and creamy. Taste the frosting and add salt, if needed.

Frost the cupcakes with a knife and decorate with strawberries and chocolate chips. Enjoy!