Bananas Foster Cupcakes

 

1

box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix

1 1/4

cups water

1/3

cup vegetable oil

3

eggs

1

cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 medium)

1/2

teaspoon rum extract

3/4

cup dulce de leche (from 13.4-oz can)

1

cup butter, softened

3 1/2

cups powdered sugar

2

to 3 tablespoons milk

3/4

teaspoon rum extract

Yellow food coloring, if desired

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 30 regular-size muffin cups.
• 2 Make Cupcakes. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute. Add bananas and rum extract; beat on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
• 3 Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely before filling and frosting, about 30 minutes.
• 4 In center of each cooled cupcake, cut out a cone shape 3/4 inch in diameter on top by 3/4 inch deep, using a sharp paring knife. Cut off pointed end of each cone, reserving tops. Fill each cavity with about 1 teaspoon dulce de leche; cover with reserved tops, pressing in lightly.
• 5 Make Rum-Buttercream Frosting. In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar slowly, beating on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 1 minute or until incorporated. Add 2 tablespoons milk and 3/4 teaspoon rum extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add a few drops food coloring at a time, beating between additions, until desired color is achieved. (If frosting is too thick, beat in remaining 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.)
• 6 In decorating bag fitted with your choice of decorating tip, place frosting; pipe onto tops of cupcakes. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in refrigerator.