Moist Banana Pudding Cupcakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
08 - ½ cup milk
09 - ½ cup water
10 - ¼ cup vegetable oil

→ Filling

11 - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding
12 - 2 cups milk

→ Banana Buttercream

13 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 teaspoon banana extract
15 - A pinch of salt
16 - 4 cups powdered sugar
17 - 2-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Vanilla wafers
19 - Sliced bananas

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners. In one bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, water, vanilla, and oil. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fill liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
02 - Whisk banana pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Let sit while making buttercream.
03 - Beat softened butter, banana extract, and salt until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Whip for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
04 - Cut a small circle out of the center of each cupcake. Fill with banana pudding and spread a thin layer on top. Pipe buttercream on top. Garnish with a vanilla wafer and banana slice (optional).

# Notes:

01 - Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined.
02 - Avoid Runny Pudding: Refrigerate pudding if it isn't thickening before filling cupcakes.
03 - Core Carefully: Gently cut out the center with a small, sharp knife.
04 - Make Ahead Option: Prepare cupcakes and filling a day in advance, but frost and garnish just before serving.
05 - Banana Slices Tip: Add banana slices right before serving to prevent browning.