Week 15: Banana Peanut Butter Cupcakes

We have an inside joke that some of my friends and coworkers have about my job that refers to me as a monkey, you know, like "Office Monkey." Here is a picture of some of the collection of monkeys that I have at work my friend has gotten me.

My friends at work.

I know there is someone in every office that has to do some ridiculously mundane things and that person in our office is me. That's what I get for not finishing college when I had the chance. Sometimes people not privy to this information ask me if I collect monkeys. I just shake my head yes and smile. I'm not sure if this is why I love bananas. I eat one every day. At one point I thought about naming my blog "The Daily Banana." There is a whole story to the Berlea name but you would probably get bored if I told you.
All that to say, that's why I chose this recipe for this week. I also love peanut butter. Raise your hand with opposable thumb if you do too. These are delicious if I don't say so myself. I used a Martha Stewart frosting recipe and it is amazing. These look a little anemic but don't be discouraged. The taste is not. These would satisfy any monkey. See the recipe below.

Use bananas that have "freckles." These have the best flavor for baking.



If you don't have one of these, seriously consider getting one. Very handy for times when you use peanut butter, shortening,or butter.



Monkeys everywhere are swinging from a tree for these.

Up close and personal.

Banana Cupcakes

1 Butter Yellow Extra Moist Cake Mix
3 eggs
2/3 cup butter
1 cup water
3 bananas mashed
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix according to directions on cake mix. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg and vanilla. Mix well. Add lemon juice to bananas. Gently combine bananas to cake mix.
Bake approximately 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees.

Peanut Butter Frosting

6 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
1/3 powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Add salt and peanut butter. Beat to combine. Add vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.