Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

Peanut butter-filled cupcakes are a delicious treat, combining moist chocolate or vanilla cupcakes with a creamy, rich peanut butter filling. Topped with a luscious frosting, they’re perfect for peanut butter lovers!

Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate cupcakes) or ½ cup additional flour (for vanilla cupcakes)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup hot water or coffee (for chocolate cupcakes, optional for richer flavor)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for consistency)

For the Chocolate or Peanut Butter Frosting (Optional):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder (for chocolate frosting) or ½ cup creamy peanut butter (for peanut butter frosting)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Crushed peanuts
• Chocolate chips or chunks
• Peanut butter cups

Instructions:

Making the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (if making chocolate cupcakes), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then mix in the milk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Add hot water or coffee (optional for chocolate cupcakes): Stir in the hot water or coffee, which enhances the chocolate flavor.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Making the Peanut Butter Filling:

1. Mix peanut butter and butter: In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Add cream: Add heavy cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the filling reaches a soft, pipeable consistency.

Filling the Cupcakes:

1. Core the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill: Spoon or pipe the peanut butter filling into the center of each cupcake.

Making the Frosting:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder (if making chocolate frosting) or peanut butter (for peanut butter frosting).
3. Add cream and vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream, adjusting the consistency as needed. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Frosting the Cupcakes:

1. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled, filled cupcakes.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a crunchy texture.
• Add mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

These peanut butter-filled cupcakes are an irresistible combination of rich flavors and creamy textures, making them a favorite for any peanut butter lover!