Craving a delectable treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the irresistible sweetness of cupcakes? Look no further! These peanut butter cupcakes are a must-try for any peanut butter enthusiast. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with peanut butter goodness, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.
I’ve perfected this homemade peanut butter cupcake recipe to ensure a moist and flavorful outcome every time. By using simple ingredients like oil, brown sugar, and cake flour, I’ve overcome the challenge of dryness often associated with baking with peanut butter. The creamy peanut butter frosting on top takes these cupcakes to the next level, making them an irresistible delight for any occasion.
Ingredients List
For Peanut Butter Cupcakes
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
Equipment Needed
To create these delicious peanut butter cupcakes, there are a few essential tools and equipment you will need to have on hand. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to bake and frost these delectable treats:
- Cupcake Pan
- Cupcake Liners
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Piping Bags
- Piping Tips or Ziploc Bags
Preparation Steps
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it’s time to dive into making these delicious peanut butter cupcakes. Below are the detailed preparation steps to guide you through creating these moist and flavorful treats.
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them well to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them into the batter.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing after each addition until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Once the batter is smooth and well mixed, spoon it into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cupcakes for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- To make the creamy peanut butter frosting, beat together powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add heavy cream gradually to the frosting mixture, beating continuously until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
- Transfer half of the frosting into a piping bag for decorating the cupcakes with the peanut butter frosting.
- To create a dual-flavored frosting, mix cocoa powder into the remaining frosting until well combined.
- Place the chocolate frosting into another piping bag.
- Trim the ends of both piping bags and place them into a larger piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip.
- Pipe the frosting swirl onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with chopped peanuts for an extra touch of flavor.
Baking Instructions
Baking the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
- Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar, peanut butter, and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly pressed.
- Let the cupcakes cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cream together unsalted butter, confectioners sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended, about 3 minutes on high speed.
- Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes as desired. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
- Enjoy your moist and flavorful peanut butter cupcakes with a creamy peanut butter frosting!
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your unsalted butter, eggs, and any dairy products like buttermilk are at room temperature before starting your cupcake batter. This helps in achieving a smooth and uniform batter consistency.
- Proper Mixing Technique: Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for light and fluffy cupcakes. Mix the butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy, which helps in incorporating air into the batter for a softer texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough and dense cupcakes due to the development of too much gluten.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. In this case, 350°F is ideal for peanut butter cupcakes to ensure even baking and proper rising.
- Use an Oven Thermometer: Ovens can often have hot spots leading to uneven baking. To ensure your cupcakes bake uniformly, consider using an oven thermometer to confirm the actual temperature inside.
- Rotate Your Cupcakes: To avoid uneven baking, halfway through the baking time, rotate your cupcake pan 180 degrees. This helps in ensuring that all cupcakes bake evenly in your oven.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are ready. Avoid over-baking to keep them moist.
- Cooling Properly: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents condensation from making the cupcakes soggy.
- Frosting Consistency: For a smooth and pipeable frosting, ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature and follow the frosting recipe carefully. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or heavy cream as needed.
- Decorating Creatively: Have fun decorating your cupcakes with various toppings like chopped peanuts, chocolate syrup, or even mini peanut butter cups to add extra flavor and visual appeal to your creations.
Following these tips will help you bake the perfect batch of peanut butter cupcakes that are moist, flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends.
Storing and Serving
After baking a delicious batch of homemade peanut butter cupcakes, it’s essential to know how to store and serve them to maintain their freshness and flavor. Proper storage ensures that your cupcakes stay moist and delightful, ready to be enjoyed at any time.
How to Store
To store your peanut butter cupcakes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you lack a spacious container for frosted cupcakes, you can protect them by placing the cupcakes under a large overturned bowl. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about squishing the frosting, it’s best to leave the cupcakes unfrosted until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
With this homemade peanut butter cupcake recipe, you can easily whip up a batch of delicious treats that are sure to impress. The moist and fluffy cupcakes, topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, are perfect for any occasion. By following the detailed preparation steps and baking instructions provided, you’ll be able to create the perfect cupcakes every time. Remember to store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness for up to 4 days. Additionally, keep frosted cupcakes covered with an overturned bowl and frost them only when ready to serve to preserve their flavor. These tips will ensure that your peanut butter cupcakes stay moist and tasty, ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat.