Description
These Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the kind of dessert that instantly gets people excited to grab one before they have even fully cooled. They are soft, moist, fluffy cupcakes packed with real peanut butter flavor and topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting that feels perfect for birthdays, parties, holiday dessert trays, or anytime you need easy dessert ideas that always impress. If you are looking for a simple homemade cupcake recipe, a fun baking project, sweet snack ideas, or crowd-pleasing food ideas for dessert lovers, this easy recipe 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
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 mini peanut butter cups, halved
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 bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix 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 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt, then beat until light and fluffy.
10. Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled cupcakes.
11. Top each cupcake with half of a mini peanut butter cup and serve.
Notes
Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest batter and frosting, since natural peanut butter can separate and affect the texture.
Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting them or the peanut butter frosting will soften too much and lose its shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: peanut butter cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, homemade cupcakes, dessert ideas, party desserts, sweet snack, easy recipe, food ideas