Are you a fan of the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter? Then these Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect treat for you! Inspired by the irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream, combining a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy peanut butter frosting and a delightful surprise inside. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delicious treats, share some helpful tips and variations, and provide nutritional information to help you enjoy them guilt-free.
Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward, using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (preferably Devil’s Food or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes. This process is easy and fun, making it perfect for baking with kids or friends.
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
- Insert the Peanut Butter Cups: Place one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cupcake, pressing it down gently so that it’s partially submerged in the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edge of a cupcake (not the center) comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Beat the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, and continue to beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional minute.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
- Frost: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top of each cupcake.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish each cupcake with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Even Filling: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure even filling of the cupcake liners, which helps the cupcakes bake uniformly.
Variations:
- 3-Ingredient Version: For a simpler version, use a box of cake mix, eggs, and peanut butter cups to create 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes.
- Alternative Frosting: Substitute the peanut butter frosting with chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
- Mini Cupcakes: Make mini cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional breakdown for each Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcake (without additional toppings):
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 29g
- Protein: 5g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
These Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a fun and easy-to-make recipe. Whether you are looking for a simple dessert to make with your kids or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with us by leaving a comment below, and feel free to explore more delicious recipes like Crispy Fried Boiled Eggs or Scrumptious Oven Baked Egg Rolls on our website. Happy baking.