Craving a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter? Look no further than these irresistible Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist chocolate cupcake, filled with a luscious Reeses peanut butter cup or creamy peanut butter, and topped with a heavenly peanut butter buttercream dipped in a velvety chocolate shell.
These indulgent cupcakes are a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with a frosting that’s delightfully less sugary than traditional recipes. The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile, offering dairy-free options and the flexibility to make a smaller batch without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a fan of classic American flavors or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Creating these irresistible Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes requires a few key ingredients to ensure a perfect blend of sweet and rich flavors. Let’s gather everything we need for the chocolate cupcakes, peanut butter frosting, and chocolate ganache.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 30 mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (divided)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 pounds (24 ounces or about 5.5 cups) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 6-8 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Gather these ingredients, and let’s create these delightful Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes that are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Necessary Equipment
To make these irresistible Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes, you will need the following equipment:
Recommended Cupcake Pans
For this recipe, I recommend using standard 12-cup muffin/cupcake pans to bake the cupcakes. Make sure to line the pans with cupcake liners for easy removal and serving.
Mixing Tools
Ensure you have the necessary mixing tools on hand to prepare the cupcake batter and frostings. You will need a stand mixer or hand mixer for mixing the cupcake batter and whipping up the creamy peanut butter frosting. Additionally, have a set of mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spatulas ready for a smooth baking process.
Instructions
Prep
- Gather Ingredients:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 pounds (24 ounces) confectioners sugar (sifted)
- 6-8 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust if using milk)
- Prepare Cupcake Liners:
- Line a standard 12-cup muffin/cupcake pan with liners for easy removal.
Making the Cupcake Batter
- Chocolate Cupcake Base:
- Follow the chocolate cupcake recipe instructions to create a moist chocolate base.
Creating the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Whipping the Eggs:
- Start by placing the eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer and whipping them until foamy and thick.
- Making the Sugar Syrup:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan, simmer until dissolved, then drizzle into the whipped eggs.
- Whipping the Frosting:
- Whip the egg mixture until pale and fluffy, then add in the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cupcakes
- Fill with Peanut Butter:
- Fill the cooled cupcakes with a Reeses peanut butter cup or creamy peanut butter.
- Frosting the Cupcakes:
- Use the peanut butter frosting to top the cupcakes generously.
Adding the Chocolate Ganache
- Dipping in Chocolate:
- Prepare the chocolate ganache and dip the frosted cupcakes for a decadent finish.
- Enjoy Fresh or Store:
- Serve the Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes fresh or follow the make-ahead instructions for later enjoyment.
By following these detailed instructions, you’ll create scrumptious Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes that will surely impress your taste buds.
Mix
When it comes to making these delicious Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes, the mixing process is crucial to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s dive into preparing the chocolate cupcake batter and whipping up the creamy peanut butter frosting.
Prepare Chocolate Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line 2 muffin tins with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy, then beat in eggs one at a time until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder, then slowly beat into the creamed mixture. Pour in milk and water, stirring until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins and press 2 mini peanut butter cups into each cupcake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Pile 15 to 20 chocolate chips over each cupcake and return to the oven until the chips start to melt (about 1 minute).
- Spread the melted chocolate over the cupcakes and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
- Cream together softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Transfer the frosting into a piping bag and pipe it onto each cupcake generously.
- Chop up the remaining peanut butter cups or use chocolate syrup to garnish the cupcakes, adding a final touch of deliciousness to these irresistible treats.
Bake
Baking is a crucial step in creating these delectable Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes. Ensuring the perfect texture and doneness will elevate the flavors to another level.
Filling Cupcake Pans
When filling the cupcake pans, make sure to fill each liner only halfway to leave ample space for the filling and batter to rise during baking. Placing a Reeses peanut butter cup into the center or adding creamy peanut butter will create a delightful surprise inside each cupcake.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cupcakes for approximately 16-20 minutes, or until they are fully done. Ensure that an inserted toothpick comes out clean to indicate that the cupcakes are perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting for the best results.
Assemble
To complete these decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes, follow these final steps to frost the cupcakes and drizzle them with a rich chocolate ganache.
Frosting the Cupcakes
Using the swirled frosting technique linked below, generously frost each cupcake to give it that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
Creating the perfect cupcakes involves a few key tricks and techniques to ensure a delightful treat that impresses every time. Here are some essential tips to elevate your cupcake game:
Testing for Doneness
When checking for doneness in your cupcakes, remember that traditional methods like using a toothpick won’t work due to the hidden surprise inside. Instead, look for the edges and centers of the cupcakes to be set and soft to the touch. This tactile check will ensure your cupcakes are perfectly baked and ready to be devoured.
Perfect Frosting Consistency
One of the secrets to achieving luscious frosting for your cupcakes is using the right ingredients and ratios. For the ideal peanut butter frosting, opt for commercial brands like Skippy or Jif to prevent texture issues. When mixing the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and other components, aim for a smooth and thick consistency. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar or milk slightly to achieve your desired frosting texture, whether you prefer a thicker or creamier finish.
Storage and Freezing
Ensuring proper storage and freezing techniques will help maintain the freshness and quality of your delicious Reeses peanut butter cup cupcakes. Follow these guidelines to preserve your cupcakes for longer enjoyment.
How to Store
After preparing your Reeses peanut butter cup cupcakes, store any unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For frosted cupcakes, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can be stored for up to 3 days. Remember, cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume them as soon as possible for optimal taste and texture.
How to Freeze
To freeze your frosted cupcakes, begin by flash freezing them on a tray until the frosting firms up. Then, wrap the cupcakes in plastic wrap and store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the wrapped cupcakes from the freezer and let them thaw before indulging in the deliciousness. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Reeses peanut butter cup cupcakes even weeks after baking them.
Conclusion
These Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a delightful treat for any occasion. The perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors creates a mouthwatering experience. With careful preparation and storage, you can enjoy these cupcakes for days to come. Whether you savor them fresh or freeze them for later, the rich taste of Reeses peanut butter cups will always satisfy your sweet cravings. Try out this recipe and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Reeses peanut butter cup cupcakes.