If you are a fan of the rich, irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine biting into a moist, fluffy chocolate cupcake that hides a gooey peanut butter cup surprise in the center, all topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe beautifully balances textures and flavors, perfect for celebrations or whenever you just want to treat yourself to something decadently delicious. Trust me, once you try these cupcakes, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your cupcakes. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fluffy buttermilk that keeps the cupcakes tender to the creamy peanut butter that elevates the frosting with its rich taste and smooth texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cupcakes while keeping them light.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps to create a moist crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, chocolatey flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve the perfect crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender without a heavy feel.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a slight tang and ensures a soft texture.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor and adds warmth.
- 1/2 cup hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa for intense chocolate taste and creates a smooth batter.
- 12 peanut butter cups: The delightful, creamy center that’s the heart of this recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The base for the frosting, contributing creaminess and body.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Gives the frosting its iconic nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to be just right for piping or spreading.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This sets the stage for perfect cupcakes that bake evenly and come out easily.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and gives your cupcakes a lighter texture by aerating the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Mix these together until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so mix gently until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate the Hot Water
Slowly pour in the hot water while stirring. This step blooms the cocoa, making it richer and deeper in flavor, while also thinning the batter slightly so it spreads evenly around the peanut butter cups.
Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, then gently place one peanut butter cup in the center. Top with more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full. This method ensures every bite delivers that delicious peanut butter surprise.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake but away from the peanut butter cup comes out clean. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
Beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable and pipeable consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional peanut butter cups, making each treat look as irresistible as it tastes.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cupcakes look extra special, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting or add a mini peanut butter cup on top. These simple garnishes provide both texture contrast and an extra pop of peanutty goodness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement their rich chocolatey and peanut buttery flavors. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot cocoa also pairs wonderfully if you’re enjoying these as an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand at gatherings, or place them in colorful mini cupcake wrappers for a festive look. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the frosting for an extra-decadent presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the frosting fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but be aware that refrigeration might firm up the frosting slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes without frosting for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warmed, heat one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid microwaving with frosting as it may melt. Instead, warm unfrosted cupcakes and then add frosting before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to your frosting and deepen the nutty flavor, but keep in mind the final frosting might be slightly less smooth.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How can I make the cupcakes more chocolaty?
Try adding mini chocolate chips to the batter or use a higher-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor that will make these cupcakes even more decadent.
Can I prepare the frosting in advance?
You can make the peanut butter frosting a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container and bring it to room temperature before using. Re-whip if needed to restore fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe bring together the best of both worlds in every bite: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. They are easy to make, fun to share, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into baking these delightful cupcakes today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and moist Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes, featuring a decadent chocolate cake filled with a melty peanut butter cup surprise and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers seeking a homemade indulgence with a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 12 peanut butter cups
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and a light cupcake texture.
- Add wet ingredients: To the dry mixture, add vegetable oil, buttermilk, the egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform in consistency.
- Incorporate hot water: Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring the batter to create a thin, smooth mixture that will bake into moist cupcakes.
- Fill cupcake liners and add filling: Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner halfway. Place one peanut butter cup into the center of each filled liner, then cover with more batter until the liner is about three-quarters full to fully encase the candy.
- Bake cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick away from the peanut butter cup; it should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Using a mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until light and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream as needed until spreadable.
- Frost cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on top. Optionally, garnish with additional peanut butter cups for an extra treat.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature to help batter mix evenly.
- Do not overfill cupcake liners to prevent batter from overflowing during baking.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Use high-quality peanut butter cups for the best flavor and texture.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more heavy cream gradually.
