Banana cupcakes

Yeah, you read that right, Banana cupcakes....

Don't confuse these for banana bread, they are light and sweet.And to top it off,  these little babies have a light whipped nutella  for a frosting.

Yum.

Since James and I were turned on to Nutella we use it every way we can.
We have made Nutella milkshakes, Nutella banana cream pies (our favorite), crepes, slathered on anything bread-like (english muffins, toast) and usually teamed up with bananas.

Banana Cupcakes (from my favorite site Allrecipes):
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add the eggs, vanilla, bananas and buttermilk. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to banana mixture. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For the frosting:
1 cup whipping cream
3 Tbsp powdered sugar
2 Tbsp vanilla instant pudding powder (love this)
1/4 cup nutella!!!!

With a mixer, mix cream, sugar and powder till there are stiff peaks.  Gently fold in nutella until completely combined.
Spread on cupcakes or eat it straight out of the bowl like I did :)