Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, rich chocolate cupcake, only to be greeted by a creamy, decadent peanut butter frosting. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, get ready because these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. They’re perfect for any occasion, and will definitely impress your friends and family – or just yourself!

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
• They are incredibly moist and tender thanks to the buttermilk.
• They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.
• You can easily customize the frosting and toppings to your liking.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these cupcakes apart is the use of buttermilk in the batter. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra tenderness to the crumb, resulting in a cupcake that is unbelievably moist and stays fresh for days. Plus, we’re not skimping on the peanut butter! The peanut butter frosting is a true masterpiece: rich, fluffy, and absolutely addictive. The combination of these two elements creates a flavor experience that’s far beyond your average cupcake!

Ingredient List

• For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk (Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee
• For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin.
6. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
11. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
12. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Get creative with your toppings! Here are a few ideas:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter.
• Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
• Top with a mini peanut butter cup for an extra touch.
• Add a swirl of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened for the frosting to achieve the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes tender.
• Use hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the buttermilk?
  

  Yes, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
  

  Yes, the unfrosted cupcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving.

• How do I store leftover cupcakes?
  

  Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I use a different type of peanut butter?
  

  Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or a natural peanut butter but it might change the consistency of the frosting, you might need to add more milk to compensate.

• Can I freeze the cupcakes?
  

  Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Overload: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra dose of chocolate.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of extra peanut butter into the top of each cupcake before baking for a marbled effect.
• Salted Caramel: Add a layer of salted caramel between the cupcake and frosting for a delicious flavor combination.
• Mini Cupcakes: Bake the batter in mini cupcake liners for a bite-sized treat. Adjust baking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, bake sales, potlucks, or even just as a special treat for your family. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate indulgence. They’re also delicious served slightly chilled on a hot day!

Conclusion

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes that will surely become a new favorite. The combination of moist chocolate cake and rich, fluffy peanut butter frosting is simply irresistible. So, go ahead and get baking! We can’t wait for you to try them! Don’t forget to share your creations with us, we’d love to see your take on this recipe! Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes!