Description
These Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the kind of homemade dessert that gets everyone excited before the frosting is even on. Soft, fluffy cupcake layers are filled with rich peanut butter flavor, then topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and finished with a peanut butter cup for the ultimate sweet treat. They are perfect for birthday desserts, easy party desserts, bake sale ideas, holiday baking, and anytime you need an easy recipe that feels special. If you love peanut butter desserts, cupcake recipes, easy baking ideas, and fun food ideas for sharing, this one delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
12 mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy.
9. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
10. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
11. Top each cupcake with a mini peanut butter cup and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour, or the cupcakes can turn dense instead of staying soft and tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 58mg