If you’re a fan of banana bread and love the idea of transforming it into a soft, pillowy treat, these Banana Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are just what you need!
Combining ripe bananas with a hint of cinnamon, these whoopie pies are filled with a creamy, tangy frosting that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them a fantastic treat for both kids and adults alike.
Banana Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Delight in these Banana Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – the perfect blend of banana and spice!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large ripe bananas, smashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookies:
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes of mixing. - Incorporate the Bananas and Eggs:
Add the sour cream, smashed bananas, vanilla extract, and the egg to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined. The mixture may appear slightly curdled, but that’s okay. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense. - Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Using a small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Base:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. - Add Flavor and Sweetness:
Add the vanilla extract, milk, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Pair and Frost:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, pair them up by size. Spread a generous amount of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cookie, then top with the other cookie, pressing down gently to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting. - Serve:
These Banana Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them the day you plan to serve.
2. Can I freeze these whoopie pies?
Yes, these whoopie pies freeze well. Wrap each assembled pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. What other frostings can I use?
While the cinnamon cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the banana cookies, you can also try a chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch to the cookies. Simply fold them into the dough before baking.
5. What if my bananas aren’t ripe?
If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them in their skins at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until they soften.
