Ah, banana bread—what a comforting treat, right? But have you ever thought about turning this classic into something even more delightful? Picture this:
the softest, fluffiest banana bread, sandwiched with a luscious layer of vanilla bean frosting. Oh yeah, we’re talking about Fluffy Vanilla Bean Frosted Banana Bread Whoopie Pies. I stumbled upon this idea on a lazy Sunday afternoon, while sipping on some iced coffee and scrolling through Instagram.
It hit me like a lightning bolt! These little gems are perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but want a twist on the usual. Imagine biting into that pillowy goodness, with just the right hint of banana and a pop of vanilla.
Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. Get ready to fall in love with these sweet, decadent, and utterly irresistible treats—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas with sour cream.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter, granulated sugar, and light-brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Add in the egg, followed by the banana and sour cream mixture, blending until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Flatten slightly to form 1.5-2 inch rounds.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter and vanilla bean seeds in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Blend in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread a layer of frosting on the flat side of one cookie, and then sandwich with another cookie. Store in an airtight container, refrigerating if not serving within a few hours.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed overripe banana
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FAQ
- Can I freeze bananas for making Banana Bread Whoopie Pies?
- Yes, you can freeze bananas. Simply leave them unpeeled and place them in the freezer when they are spotty. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the bananas to room temperature, peel them, and include all the juices when mashing for your recipe.
- How much banana do I need for the cookies?
- The recipe originally suggested 1/2 cup of banana, but to enhance the banana flavor, it’s recommended to use 1 cup while reducing the sour cream by half.
- Is there an alternative frosting option for the whoopie pies?
- The recipe features a vanilla bean frosting, but a cream cheese frosting can be a delicious alternative. You might want to use more powdered sugar, less cream cheese, and add some butter for a rich texture.
- How should I store the Banana Bread Whoopie Pies?
- These whoopie pies should be stored in an airtight container. If you’re not serving them within a few hours, it’s best to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Tips
- Keep a stash of overripe bananas in your freezer for baking emergencies. Simply freeze them unpeeled, and when you need them, thaw to room temperature or use your microwave for a quicker defrost. The texture will be different, but perfect for recipes requiring mashed bananas.
- For stronger banana flavor in the cookies, double the amount of banana while reducing the sour cream by half. This will enhance the banana taste without compromising the texture.
- Instead of adding vanilla to the cookie batter, let all the vanilla flavor come from the frosting. This creates a balanced taste of banana and vanilla in each bite.
- If you prefer a different frosting, consider using a cream cheese version. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, using less cream cheese, and incorporating a bit of butter for richness.
Equipment
- Electric Hand Mixer – Essential for whipping the butter and sugars together and for making the frosting.
- Silpat Baking Mat – Useful for lining baking sheets to prevent sticking.
- Pastry Bag with 1/4 inch Plain Tip – For piping the dough into rounds, providing a more uniform appearance.
- Wire Cooling Rack – For cooling the cookies evenly after baking.
