Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup heavy cream To make these delightful cupcakes, I focus on each ingredient's role. The dry ingredients form the base of the batter. They give structure and flavor. The flour and cocoa powder mix to create that rich chocolate taste. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help the cupcakes rise. A pinch of salt balances out the flavors. Next, we have the wet ingredients. The melted butter adds moisture and richness. Eggs bind everything together and help with the rise. Whole milk contributes creaminess, while vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Finally, the frosting ingredients make the cupcakes even more special. Creamy peanut butter gives a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting, while heavy cream makes it smooth and spreadable. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring these cupcakes are an irresistible treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps with easy removal later. - In a large bowl, combine: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Whisk these together until they blend well. This mix gives cupcakes a rich taste. - In another bowl, mix: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Stir until smooth. This mixture adds moisture to the cupcakes. - Gradually add it to the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Stop mixing once you see no dry flour. - Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full. - Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. - Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! - In a medium bowl, beat together: - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - Gradually add 1/4 cup heavy cream. Keep beating until you reach a smooth, creamy texture. - Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, it’s time to frost them. - Generously pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on each cupcake. - For extra flair, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or crushed peanuts. Enjoy your delightful treat! - Don't overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. This keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy. - Checking for doneness is key. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. - Achieving perfect frosting consistency is important. Start with creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Add heavy cream slowly. Stop when it is smooth and spreadable. - Best tools for frosting include a piping bag or a simple spatula. A piping bag gives a nice look. A spatula is great for easy spreading. - Pairing ideas for these cupcakes include a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both enhance the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. - Sourcing ingredients is simple. Most can be found at any grocery store. Look for fresh eggs and high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to avoid dense cupcakes. A few lumps are okay! Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding mini chocolate chips or drizzling with chocolate ganache for an extra treat. {{image_2}} You can make these cupcakes gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the texture light and fluffy. Whole wheat flour is another great option. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your cupcakes. Want to change up the taste? Add chocolate chips to the batter. They melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate. You can also try different nut butters. Almond or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a unique flavor twist. If you're not a fan of peanut butter frosting, chocolate frosting is a great option. It pairs beautifully with the cupcakes’ rich chocolate base. For a vegan choice, try coconut cream. Whip it up with cocoa powder and a sweetener like maple syrup for a tasty treat. To keep your chocolate peanut butter cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and flavor in. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. If you want to freeze your cupcakes, start by cooling them completely. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. The cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. To use it again, simply re-whip it before spreading. If you want to freeze the frosting, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. You can use gluten-free flour blends. Look for a mix that has xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Popular options include almond flour or coconut flour. Adjust the liquid in your recipe since these flours absorb more moisture. Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking. This helps the cupcakes rise better. If you need an egg substitute, use applesauce or mashed banana. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. These cupcakes last for about three days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. You learned how to bake delicious cupcakes with simple ingredients. We covered steps from mixing dry and wet ingredients to making a tasty frosting. Remember, keep an eye on baking times and don’t overmix the batter. Explore variations and store your treats properly for freshness. These tips will help you create delightful cupcakes every time. Enjoy your baking journey and share your creations with friends and family!$

Deliciously rich chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy peanut butter frosting.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
0.5 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
0.5 cup powdered sugar
0.25 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter and powdered sugar, adding the heavy cream gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on top of each cupcake.
If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed peanuts.

Keyword chocolate, cupcakes, peanut butter