Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible charm of perfectly baked cupcakes! These aren't just any ordinary cupcakes - they're a luxurious treat that promises to transport you to dessert heaven with every single bite. Whether you're a peanut butter fanatic or simply looking to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert, these Peanut Butter Cupcakes are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Once the batter is ready, evenly distribute it among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, alternating with 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost each cupcake generously with the peanut butter frosting using a spatula or a piping bag for a decorative touch.
- Optionally, you can garnish the frosted cupcakes with mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve the peanut butter cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cupcakes.
- Use Quality Peanut Butter: Choose a creamy, smooth peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Natural or commercial brands both work well.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Decorative Touch: Use a piping bag for a professional-looking finish, or simply spread frosting with a spatula for a rustic charm.
- Storage Tip: These cupcakes stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
