Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes recipe. These cupcakes bring together moist chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter frosting, topped with the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a dessert that’s indulgent, fun, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just because, these cupcakes strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Flavor Combo: Rich chocolate meets creamy peanut butter, creating a classic crowd-pleaser every time.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The cupcakes stay soft and fluffy thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples that come together quickly for an easy baking experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cupcakes fit right in at birthday parties, holidays, or casual family gatherings.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Topped with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, they look as good as they taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that contribute to the flavor, texture, and richness. Each component plays a key role in building that mouthwatering chocolate and peanut butter harmony.

• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for moist and tender cupcakes.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor with a slightly bitter balance.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both leavening agents ensure the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate and peanut butter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcakes soft and adds a slight tang to cut through sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Provides moisture to keep cupcakes perfectly tender.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
• Peanut butter: The star of the frosting, creamy and flavorful.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter frosting smoothly.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Garnish for that signature peanut butter-chocolate crunch on top.

Variations for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Feel free to get creative and adjust this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to try these fun twists!

• Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour without compromising texture.
• Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs and dairy-free milk, plus vegan butter, to make these cupcakes plant-based.
• Extra chocolatey: Stir in mini chocolate chips into the batter for added bursts of chocolate.
• Crunchy peanut butter frosting: Mix in chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch in the frosting.
• Nut-free version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.
• Salted caramel drizzle: Add a drizzle of salted caramel on top for an indulgent finishing touch.

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners, so the cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well to blend all the liquids smoothly.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat the peanut butter with softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of milk until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting generously on each one and top with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for the perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes

• Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can toughen the cupcakes, so mix until ingredients just come together.
• Check doneness early: Start testing cupcakes at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
• Use a piping bag: For a neat frosting finish, pipe the peanut butter frosting instead of spreading.
• Cool completely: Always let cupcakes cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
• Store properly: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Garnishes

Top the cupcakes with extra mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for added texture and flair.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance the rich peanut butter and chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for a party or place them in decorative wrappers and gift boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back softness before serving, but avoid heating frosted cupcakes to keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add a nice texture to the frosting, giving it a delightful crunch.

What if I don’t have buttermilk, what can I substitute?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Are these cupcakes suitable for freezing after frosting?

It’s best to freeze them unfrosted and add frosting after thawing to preserve the texture and appearance.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches or use multiple pans, adjusting baking time slightly if needed.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with nut-free seed butter like sunflower seed butter to make this recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a truly irresistible treat that combines two beloved flavors into one perfect bite. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or a chocolate lover, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and give this delicious recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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