Chocolate Banana Coconut Kiss Cupcakes

Have you ever watched Cupcake Wars?  If you haven't, you should.  It's a fun show, where four bakers compete against each other for $10,000 dollars.  During the first round, they each have to bake a cupcake that showcases several unusual flavors.  Each flavor has to be distinguishable from the others, and they still must all work well together and be tasty. 

I decided that it was high time to use up the almost over-ripe bananas that were sitting on top of my microwave and bake some cupcakes.  And what goes better with banana than chocolate?

Not much.

So here's what you'll need:

1 very ripe banana (1/2 C.)
1/3 C. canola oil
1/2 C. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla extract
1/8 t. rum extract
1 C. flour
3/4 C. sugar
1/3 C. cocoa powder
3/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. cinnamon
12 coconut creme Hershey's kisses

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Put liners in muffin pan.

Mash the banana in a bowl with a fork, then whisk in milk, vanilla and rum extracts, and oil until smooth.

Sift together the dry ingredients, then make a well in the center.  Pour the banana mixture into the well and stir to combine, just until smooth. Be careful not to over-mix!

Take about 3 tablespoons of batter and put in each muffin cup.  This only makes 12 cupcakes, so be careful not to put too much batter in each cup.  Once filled, take the coconut kisses and push lightly into each cupcake.  If you don't want to use them, or if you want to use another flavor, go ahead.  I just love banana, chocolate and coconut together.

Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in cupcake comes out clean.  Be sure to test away from the kiss! The melted chocolate will stick to the toothpick and make it look like they aren't done.  Cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
(I forgot to take any pictures of this!)
4 oz softened cream cheese
4 oz softened butter
2 C. sifted powdered sugar
1/4 C. cocoa powder

Mix together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.  Add the powdered sugar 1/2 C. at a time, beating well after each addition to combine well.  Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.  Pipe onto cooled cupcakes. 

Remember what I said earlier about being able to taste the different flavors? Yeah? Good.  Because you can taste the chocolate and the banana in these.  They are so yummy and moist!  Give them a try soon!

Love,
Liz