Banana Walnut Cupcake Recipe

Banana health benefits 

Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

Reducing Depression

Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia

Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea

Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

Eyesight Protection

Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

Heartburn

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking

Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. They contain vitamins B6 and B12 they contain, as well as potassium and magnesium: these substances help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Ulcers

This is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicle cases. It also helps reduce acidity and reduces irritation. Bananas stimulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus (which protects against acid). Additionally, bananas contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of ulcers.

Nerves

Bananas are high in B vitamins that have been shows to improve nerve function

Mosquito Bites

Many people report that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite is very effective in reducing itching and swelling

Stress Relief

Bananas are high in potassium, which helps normalize the hearthbeat and regulate the body's water balance. During periods of high stress, our body's potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs

Stroke Risk

According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%

Ingredients

cupcake batter

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup softened butter • 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed well) • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3 large eggs • 3/4 cup buttermilk

nut topping

• 1 cup packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup butter • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1 cup chopped walnuts

cupcake filling

• 1/2 cups sugar • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup 2% milk • 1 large egg, beaten • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 medium, ripe bananas sliced thin • whipped cream  

Banana Walnut Torte Cupcakes Recipe Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cupcake pans with paper or foil liners.

Prepare cupcake topping by combining brown sugar, butter, and cream in a small saucepan over low heat.  Stir constantly while heating.  Remove from heat as soon as butter melts.

Pour into bottom of liners, evenly dividing the topping mixture.  Sprinkle walnuts on top of mixture.

Prepare cupcake batter by creaming sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl.  Scrape bowl and add mashed banana and vanilla.  Mix for 1 minute on low speed.  Add eggs 1 at a time, mixing on low speed for 30 seconds after each addition.

In a separate bow, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir well.  Add half of flour mixture to egg mixture.  Mix on low speed for one minute.  Add remaining flour mixture and buttermilk.  Mix at low speed until just mixed then high speed for 1 minute.  Spoon cupcake batter over the topping in cupcake liners.  Make sure the batter is even spread over the brown sugar walnut topping.  The liners should be 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool cupcakes in pans for 3 minutes and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

While cupcakes are baking, you should prepare the filling.  Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan.  Over medium heat, add milk slowly, stirring constantly.  Continue stirring and heating until mixture starts to boil. 

Add approximately 1/4 cup hot mixture to the beaten egg in a separate bowl in order to temper the beaten egg and stir well.  Continue stirring milk mixture constantly and add tempered egg to the mixture.  Stir and continue cooking until mixture is bubbly. 

Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla and butter.  Cool 15 minutes at room temperature then refrigerate for at least one hour.

Once the filling and cupcakes are cool, you can assemble your Banana Walnut Torte Cupcakes on individual dessert plates.  Carefully remove cupcakes from liners, and place walnut side up on plates.

Cut cupcakes in half horizontally and set aside top half.  Spread filling on bottom half of cupcake and top with thinly sliced bananas.  Put a small amount of whipped cream on top of banana layer, and carefully replace top of cupcake.  Top with remaining filling, bananas, and whipped cream.

If you're feeling very creative, slice cupcakes so you have 3 cake layers.  Top bottom with filling, bananas and whipped cream.  Place next cake layer and repeat filling, bananas, and whipped cream.  Place last cake layer carefully and top with whipped cream.

ENJOY!!!!  for more recipe :

http://www.cupcakerecipes.com/bananarecipe.htm

http://bananasweb.com/bananas/Health+Benefits+of+Bananas