Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the irresistible charm of chocolate in these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
- Using Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the batter and as a topping adds a delightful surprise in every bite.
- The cupcakes are moist and fluffy, thanks to the careful balance of wet and dry ingredients.
- Easy to make with simple, readily available ingredients.
- Perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers looking for a quick, delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, mini size
Equipment Needed
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Ice cream scoop
- Toothpick
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Tip: For extra non-stick insurance, lightly spray the liners with cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and cocoa throughout the batter, ensuring a uniform rise and flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in the buttermilk and peanut butter. The buttermilk adds tenderness to the cupcakes, while the peanut butter introduces that signature Reese’s flavor.
Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Place a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake part comes out clean. Tip: Don’t overfill the liners to avoid spillage.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cooled, top with additional Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups if desired.
Tips and Tricks
For an even more decadent treat, consider adding a peanut butter frosting on top of your cupcakes. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and a splash of milk until smooth. Another tip is to use mini chocolate chips in the batter for an extra chocolatey bite. Lastly, for a festive touch, sprinkle crushed Reese’s Pieces on top of the frosting for color and crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the peanut butter cups for dark chocolate ones for a richer flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty taste.
- Incorporate banana puree into the batter for a peanut butter-banana version.
- Top with a chocolate ganache instead of additional peanut butter cups for a smoother finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not the oily kind at the top of the jar. Natural peanut butter can alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the amount of buttermilk to achieve the right consistency.
How do I store these cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them without the topping and thaw before serving.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend for the best results.
Summary
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion. With the tips and variations provided, you can customize them to suit any taste or dietary need.