Go Back

Toddler Cupcakes: Soft Banana Apple Mini Cupcakes Recipe - Gentle, Naturally Sweet Bites

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large ripe banana, well mashed (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional; skip for under-1 if using honey)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil or melted butter (e.g., avocado oil, light olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or half all-purpose, half whole wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine salt (optional but helps balance flavor)
  • Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons very finely chopped raisins, grated apple, or mini chocolate chips for older kids

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with oil or butter.
  2. Mash the banana: In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps.
  3. Whisk in the wet ingredients: Add applesauce, egg, maple syrup or honey, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Combine gently: Add the dry mix to the wet bowl. Stir with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Fold in any optional add-ins.
  6. Fill the cups: Divide the batter among the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool but stay soft.
  9. Serve: Enjoy plain, or top with a thin smear of yogurt for older toddlers right before serving.