Banana and chocolate cupcakes

Baking is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and these tasty treats are well worth the effort.

Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cooking Time 25 minutes

Ingredients (serves 16)
* 150g butter, at room temperature
* 155g (3/4 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 eggs
* 2 ripe bananas, peeled, mashed
* 1 x 200g pkt good-quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
* 300g (2 cups) self-raising flour
* 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
* White chocolate curls, to decorate
Chocolate frosting
* 1 x 200g pkt good-quality dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
* 125ml (1/2 cup) thickened cream



Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line sixteen 80ml (1/3-cup) capacity muffin pans with paper cases.
2. Use an electric beater to beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition until just combined. Add the banana and chocolate and stir until well combined. Use a large metal spoon to fold in the flour and milk until well combined. Spoon the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin pans and smooth the surfaces. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, to make the chocolate frosting, place the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir occasionally until the chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 2 hours or until almost firm. Use an electric beater to beat the chocolate mixture until pale and fluffy.
4. Use a round-bladed knife to spread the cupcakes evenly with frosting. Sprinkle with chocolate curls to serve.

Source
Australian Good Taste - Page 98
Recipe by Michelle Southan