Banana Almond Butter Cupcakes with Banana Frosting

When I was a kid I dreamed about opening up my own bakery.  Then I realized I'd have to wake up before dawn and suddenly the dream became less appealing.

These days most of my desire to bake revolves around my family. I love baking for my family.  It's very satisfying to see them enjoying my efforts.

This week's recipe came to mind after a visit to Trader Joe's.  I decided to purchase a jar of almond butter, with the intent of spreading it on some bread as an alternative to my normal PB and J.  But once I opened the jar and was hit with the delicious scent, I decided that it was worthy of more than just a sandwich.

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
2 bananas peeled and mashed

Directions
Preheat oven to 325F.  Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Whisk until combined.  In a separate bowl, beat butter, almond butter, vanilla extract and sugar until well combined.  Add sour cream.  Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Add wet mixture to dry ingredients.  Then add mashed bananas and mix until batter comes together.  Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Let cool completely. Yield: about 1 dozen muffins

Frosting Ingredients
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup mashed banana, about 1 large banana
pinch of salt
sliced almonds, for garnish

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add sugar and salt, beat until combined. Add mashed banana to mixture and mix until light and fluffy.
To frost cupcakes, fill a large Ziploc bag with frosting, cut corner tip with scissors and use as a piping bag.
Garnish with sliced almonds.

Recipe adapted from http://www.foodnetwork.com/