Black Forest Banana Cupcakes

Makes 24 serving
Prep time: 20 min.
Total Time: 50 min.

Ingredients

• 1 - package (8 ounces) light cream cheese, softened
• 1-3/4 - cups sugar, divided
• 1 - egg
• 1/3 - cup candied cherries, chopped
• 1/4 - cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
• 2 - cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 - cup cocoa powder
• 1-1/2 - teaspoons baking powder
• 2 - large, ripe bananas, mashed (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/3 - cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 - cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Lightly coat with vegetable spray.

1. In small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. 
2. Add 1/4 cup sugar and egg; beat until blended. 
3. Stir in cherries and chocolate pieces; set aside.
4. In large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and remaining 1-1/2 cups sugar . 
5. Add bananas, oil and water; stir until well blended.
6. Spoon chocolate mixture evenly into 24 muffin cups lined with paper cupcake cups. 
7. Spoon about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture into center of each cupcake.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 
9. Remove from pan; let cool completely on wire rack.