REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES

Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a dessert that combines the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible charm of chocolate? Look no further! These REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are a match made in heaven, offering a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to a cozy night in. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but with a total preparation and baking time of just 40 minutes, they’re also quick and easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to creating these mouth-watering cupcakes that boast a delightful surprise in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup hot water

12 mini REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure a non-stick baking process.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination will ensure your cupcakes have the perfect texture and rise.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the base for a moist and tender cupcake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to blend the flavors.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. The addition of buttermilk will add a subtle tang and richness to your cupcakes.

6. Stir in Hot Water:

Mix in hot water until the batter is well combined. This step ensures your cupcakes will be moist and soft.

7. Fill and Bake:

Fill each cupcake liner half full, nestle a mini REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup into the center, then cover with more batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

8. Make the Frosting:

For the frosting, beat together butter and peanut butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and milk, beating until fluffy and spreadable.

9. Frost and Enjoy:

Once your cupcakes are cool, lavish them with the peanut butter frosting and get ready to indulge in a treat that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 320 kcal per cupcake
• Servings: 12 cupcakes

Related Recipes:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
• 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Mousse

Serving and Storage Tips for REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

After baking these decadent REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes, you’ll want to ensure they’re served beautifully and stored correctly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some expert tips for serving and storage:

Serving Tips:

1. Room Temperature is Key: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cupcakes at room temperature. If you’ve stored them in the refrigerator, take them out 30 minutes before serving.
2. Extra Garnish: To make these cupcakes even more appealing, consider adding a mini REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup on top of each cupcake or a light dusting of cocoa powder right before serving. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also hints at the delightful surprise inside.
3. Serve with Milk or Coffee: These rich and chocolatey cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. The beverages complement the sweetness and make for a perfect dessert pairing.

Storage Tips:

1. Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the cupcakes are completely cool before you store them. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the cupcakes soggy.
2. Airtight Containers are Crucial: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh. If you’ve already frosted the cupcakes, try to find a container tall enough so the frosting doesn’t touch the lid, or use a cupcake carrier designed for frosted cupcakes.
3. Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: If you’re not planning to eat the cupcakes within a day or two, refrigerate them to keep the frosting fresh and prevent spoilage. They can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember to let them reach room temperature before serving for the best taste.
4. Freezing for Long-term Storage: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-lock freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving. This method is great if you want to bake ahead of time.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are just as delicious days after baking as they were fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with an alternative if needed. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that the texture might slightly differ. If you’re considering whole wheat flour, be aware it could make the cupcakes denser, so a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose might work better to maintain a lighter texture.

2. How can I ensure my cupcakes are moist and not dry?

To ensure your cupcakes remain moist, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added to the wet. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to dry cupcakes. Additionally, make sure to not overbake them; check for doneness at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Finally, adding the hot water as directed helps create a moist texture by allowing the cocoa powder to “bloom” and develop flavor.

3. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, these cupcakes can be made in advance. If you’re planning to serve them within a couple of days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. It’s best to add the frosting on the day of serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.

4. Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. For a different twist, you can:

• Swap the peanut butter in the frosting for almond butter or hazelnut spread for a different nutty flavor.
• Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Use different types of mini chocolate candies for the surprise inside, based on your preferences or to celebrate seasonal holidays.
• Top the frosted cupcakes with crushed REESE’S Pieces for added color and crunch.

Experimenting with these variations can help you customize the cupcakes to your taste preferences or make them fitting for various occasions.

Conclusion:

These REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. With their moist, chocolatey base, surprise peanut butter center, and creamy frosting, they promise to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. So, why wait? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake your way to peanut butter and chocolate bliss.

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