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1
Make the pastry cream: In a medium saucepan, bring the half-and-half to a simmer and keep warm.
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2
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt together until the mixture is pale, about one minute.
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3
Whisk half of the half-and-half into the egg yolk mixture, then pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the remaining half-and-half.
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4
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and boiling, about 6-10 minutes.
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5
Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla.
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6
Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a container.
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7
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming.
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8
Chill at least one hour, overnight is better.
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9
Make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
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10
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl and set aside.
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11
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes.
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12
Add the sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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13
Scrape down the bowl, add the eggs, and beat until just combined.
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14
Scrape down the bowl again and add the bananas, beating until just combined.
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15
Turn the mixer to low.
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16
Add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
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17
Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, giving the mixture a final stir to ensure it's combined.
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18
Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full.
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19
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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20
Cool in pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
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21
Remove them from the pans and cool completely.
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22
Assemble the cupcakes: Place the vanilla pastry cream in a plastic disposable piping bag or a zip top gallon sized bag.
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23
Cut the end of the bag so that the opening is about a half inch in diameter.
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24
Pipe a dollop onto the cupcake (alternatively spoon a dollop onto the cupcake) and garnish with a dried banana slice.