Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Try this Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
- for the chocolate cupcakes:
- 3 tablespoons coconut or canola oil
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour not packed
- 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water
- 18 peanut butter cups (i used the full-sized ones but think the minis would work, too)
- for the peanut butter frosting:
- 1 and 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (2 stick) unsalted butter very soft
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 9 peanut butter cups cut in half (i used the full-sized ones, but again, minis could work)
- Carbohydrate 42.363513348055 g
- Cholesterol 32.2189814811133 mg
- Fat 14.2050687039385 g
- Fiber 0.764402793329927 g
- Protein 0.95153787036399 g
- Saturated Fat 8.7998004630568 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cupcake (72g)
- Sodium 50.7929444361719 mg
- Sugar 41.5991105547251 g
- Trans Fat 1.02721716666982 g
- Calories 290 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup cupcake/muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray (optional but it does help them peel right off). Set aside.
- Melt the oil, butter, and chocolate together in the microwave, heating in 30 second increments, stirring between. You can also melt the oil, butter, and chocolate over very low heat on the stove top, but I find the microwave to be much easier. Whisk mixture completely smooth and set aside to cool.
- In a medium-sized bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt; stir together until thoroughly combined and set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, yolk, sugar and vanilla together; beat until smooth. Add the cooled oil/butter/chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, then half of the sour cream. Repeat the process until everything is added, and be sure to mix until JUST combined. Quickly stir in the hot coffee/water. It's important not to over mix, here! Just stir until evenly combined.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter into the bottom of each cupcake tin, press a peanut butter cup into the batter, then top with another 3 tablespoons of batter; each cupcake mold should be 3/4 full. You will have leftover batter (enough to make another 6 cupcakes).
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- For the Peanut Butter Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the peanut butter and butter on medium-speed until completely smooth. Beat in vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and add in the remaining ingredients, beating until fully incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for 1-2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top then press half of a peanut butter cup on top.
Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: A Sweet Escape
Oh, the decadent allure of chocolate and peanut butter! It's a classic combination that never fails to satisfy, and these Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are no exception. As a busy working mom, finding time for baking is a luxury, but when I do, I want it to be worth it. These cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, easily customizable to fit any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to an impressive dessert for a party. The recipe itself isn't overly complicated, making it achievable even on a busy week.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy bakery, the kind with mismatched chairs and the comforting hum of conversation. The moist, intensely chocolatey cupcakes provide the perfect foundation for the luscious peanut butter frosting. Each bite is a delightful journey of textures and tastes, with the smooth, creamy frosting complementing the slightly cakey texture of the cupcake. The addition of peanut butter cups is pure genius—a delightful surprise in every bite. They add a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of peanut butter flavor that takes the cupcakes to another level.
I've experimented with this recipe countless times, tweaking it to perfection. I've learned a few tricks along the way: the secret to ultra-moist cupcakes lies in the addition of hot coffee or water; it adds a subtle depth of flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee. And don't skimp on the butter in the frosting – the richness is essential for that perfect creamy texture.
Making Memories, One Cupcake at a Time
Baking these cupcakes isn't just about creating a delicious treat; it's about creating memories. The process itself is therapeutic, a chance to escape the daily grind and immerse myself in the simple pleasure of mixing, measuring, and creating something beautiful. The happy sighs of my family as they take their first bite are priceless. It's these moments, shared around a plate of warm cupcakes, that make life sweeter. It's about slowing down, connecting, and savoring the simple things.
Beyond the Recipe: Customization and Creativity
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative! Want to add a sprinkle of sea salt to the frosting for an unexpected salty-sweet flavor? Go for it! Dreaming of a swirl of chocolate ganache? Absolutely! Perhaps you prefer using mini peanut butter cups for a more delicate touch? The possibilities are endless.
These cupcakes are more than just a recipe; they're a canvas for your culinary imagination. They're a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to indulge in a little sweetness, to create something special, and to share that joy with the people you love. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin. You deserve a sweet escape, and these Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the perfect ticket.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fill the cupcake liners about ¾ full: This prevents them from overflowing during baking.
- Use a toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they're done.
- Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting.
These Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a true testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a touch of love and creativity. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a sweet escape from the everyday, and a reminder that life's little joys are often the sweetest.
