Growing up, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a lunchbox staple, but today, we’re taking those nostalgic flavors to a whole new level with peanut butter and jelly cupcakes. These delightful treats combine the familiar taste of childhood with a sophisticated twist. Imagine a brown butter peanut butter cupcake base, generously filled with sweet strawberry jelly, and crowned with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Each bite is a delicious journey back in time, evoking memories of carefree days and simple pleasures.
These cupcakes are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the classic combination that never fails to bring a smile. As you indulge in these flavorful creations, the creamy frosting, fruity jelly, and crunchy peanut garnish come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re reminiscing about school days or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, these peanut butter and jelly cupcakes are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a time filled with joy and sweetness.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to create these delectable peanut butter and jelly cupcakes. Below are the lists for the cupcake base, peanut butter frosting, and the jelly filling.
Cupcake Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
These ingredients will come together to create a mouthwatering treat that perfectly blends the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in cupcake form.
Equipment Needed
For making these delicious peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, you will need the following equipment:
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with a star tip
- Small spoon or scoop for filling cupcakes
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Having these tools and equipment ready will help you efficiently prepare and bake the cupcakes to perfection.
Preparation
Prepping the Cupcake Batter
To start preparing the cupcake batter, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of whole milk. Mix until just combined. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepping the Frosting
For the peanut butter frosting, beat ½ cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and mix until well combined. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid any powdery mess. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and holds its shape. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for a decorative touch.
Prepping the Jelly
To prep the jelly filling, scoop about ½ cup of strawberry jam into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 15-20 seconds to soften. Gently stir the jam to ensure it is smooth and easy to work with. Crush ¼ cup of roasted peanuts to sprinkle on top of the cupcakes for added crunch and flavor. Wash and slice fresh strawberries to garnish the cupcakes before serving.
Baking the Cupcakes
To bake these delicious peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, I follow a simple yet precise process to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
Step 1: Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper baking cups for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, usually taking about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add in the egg and strawberry extract, and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the milk and buttermilk, then add the berry jam to the batter. The mixture should turn a delightful pink color.
- Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by adding it in three portions, mixing just enough to combine after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the prepared cupcake batter into the lined baking cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create moist and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cupcakes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Now that the cupcakes are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble them with a delicious jelly filling and creamy frosting to bring out the classic PB&J flavors in a delightful cupcake form.
Filling the Cupcakes with Jelly
Using a cupcake corer, gently remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the cavity with about half a teaspoon of your favorite jelly, whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, grape, or any other flavor you prefer. The jelly filling adds a burst of fruity goodness to the cupcakes, reminiscent of a traditional PB&J sandwich.
Frosting the Cupcakes
Pipe a generous amount of peanut butter frosting onto the top of each cupcake, leaving a well in the center. Use a decorating tip for a professional finish. Then, spoon a small amount of jelly into the well on top of the frosting, adding a pop of color and extra flavor. The final touch is a sprinkle of peanuts on top for a crunchy texture that complements the creamy frosting and fruity filling. Enjoy these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes that cater to both kids and adults alike, combining nostalgia with a gourmet twist.
Serving and Storage Tips
When serving these delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes, consider adding a fresh twist to elevate the experience. To enhance the presentation, top each cupcake with a dollop of strawberry jam, a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts, and a fresh strawberry for a pop of color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds layers of flavor that complement the peanut butter and jelly combination perfectly.
For storage, it’s best to keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their freshness. If you intend to store them for a longer period, you can opt to refrigerate them, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent them from drying out. Before serving refrigerated cupcakes, allow them to come to room temperature to restore their moistness and flavor.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes remain delicious and enjoyable for an extended period, allowing you to savor the classic PB&J flavors in cupcake form whenever the craving strikes.
Conclusion
Creating Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes is a delightful way to elevate the classic flavors of a PB&J sandwich into a gourmet dessert experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy moist and flavorful cupcakes that blend nostalgia with a modern twist. Remember to top your cupcakes with strawberry jam, crushed roasted peanuts, and a fresh strawberry for that extra touch of presentation and flavor. Whether stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer enjoyment, these cupcakes are sure to maintain their deliciousness. With these serving and storage tips, you can savor the taste of Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes whenever the craving strikes.