Day 19: Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

They may sound a little strange, but these little gems are absolutely delicious. This recipe comes straight from Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 (200 Recipes Under 200 Calories). I've mentioned it before, but it's worth repeating: I would highly recommend all of the Hungry Girl cookbooks. There is a new one coming out late this month as well. The recipes are delicious and guilt-free. You won't be disappointed.

I made these cupcakes for my family and they ate them up...even the people who weren't trying to watch their weight. One word of caution, though, the frosting tends to harden a little after one or two days, so you may not want to make a huge batch, because they probably won't last longer than 48 hours or so.

Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

(makes 12 servings)

Ingredients for Cupcakes:

2c. Moist-Style Yellow Cake Mix (half of an 18.25 oz. box)

1 large Banana, mashed

1/2 c. Baby Food Pureed Bananas (yes, seriously)

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Ingredients for Frosting:

3/4 c. Cool Whip Free, thawed

1/4 c. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter, room temperature

Optional Topping:

12 Slices Banana

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter and Cool Whip Free, stirring until mixed well. Refrigerate until cupcakes are ready to be frosted.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix with baking powder and 1 cup water until mixed well. Add baby food and stir thoroughly. Mix in mashed bananas.

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups and/or spray with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute cake mixture among the cups.

Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Once cupcakes have cooled completely, spread frosting evenly over the cupcake tops. Top each cupcake with a slice of banana, if you like. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:

143 Calories, 3.75g Fat, 193mg Sodium, 25g Carbs, 0.5g Fiber, 13g Sugars, 2g Protein

Points Value: 3