Cupcake Pairings

So, for those of you who don't know, my parents own and run their own business and every summer they have a company barbecue with everyone (it's between 11-17 people).
This year they've asked me to bake mini cupcakes for the event (with appropriate compensation, of course :P). Well, the party is this Saturday and the cupcakes are made!

They let me choose the flavors knowing they'd be delicious no matter what so I decided to go with a past favorite and something new

Introducing: Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting (in rosettes, naturally). When I first made this cupcakes I didn't like coffee (I know drink it with chai tea latte mix as creamer) but I still found these addicting!
The cake itself is really just a rich chocolate cake enhanced with coffee that you can't really taste. They smell absolutely amazing when they come out of the oven! The frosting is what gets me, though. It's a simple buttercream with vanilla and instant espresso powder (yuk, I know, but it makes great cake). They are so rich in flavor and so soft and moist you can't eat just one!

And the something new:
These are Banana Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting. I've made the banana cupcakes before, but with a different frosting which I didn't care for on this cake. Baking cupcakes with bananas is tricky and I still don't think I've got it quite right. After this I plan on going on a baking adventure to discover/create the best banana cupcake recipe which combines the great flavor of the ones made here, and the perfect cupcake shape of other cupcakes.
These tend to bake a bit flat, but it does give a nice, wide base for frosting. The cake is so light and delicate that I had to dump them out of the tin- trying to lift them out resulted in the tops coming clean off!
I must say, the frosting pairs really nicely with the banana. The brown sugar is just sweet enough without being over the top (it helps if you don't use as much powdered sugar) and balances with the delicate cake texture.

I really think these cupcakes compliment each other as one is powerful and decadent, and the other is delicate and sweet. They really are a great pair.

So tell me, what are your favorite flavor combinations, in one cupcake, or as a pair? I'd love to hear what you think, so leave a comment below!

Also, if you know any tips for baking with bananas please share that as well!

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