Description
If you love peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Cupcakes are going to be your new favorite treat! Soft, moist cupcakes packed with peanut butter flavor and topped with a creamy, fluffy peanut butter frosting—each bite is pure bliss. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or any sweet craving, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to please a crowd.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering dessert recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk (room temperature)
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter cups (for decorating)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) and beat on high until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting generously on top.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or peanut butter cups for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter and room-temperature eggs for the smoothest batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just incorporated to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Adjust the Frosting Consistency: Add more powdered sugar for a stiffer frosting or a little milk for a creamier texture.
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter, as it can alter the texture of the cupcakes and frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American