Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

There’s something undeniably special about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, you know just how magical this flavor pairing can be. But what if you could take that beloved treat and turn it into a mouthwatering cupcake? Well, today’s your lucky day because this Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes recipe will transform your baking experience.

Imagine biting into a soft, moist chocolate cupcake, only to discover a creamy peanut butter filling at its heart. Then, top it off with a luscious layer of chocolate ganache and garnish it with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Sounds tempting, right? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes will satisfy every chocolate and peanut butter craving you have.

Ready to dive into this irresistible treat? Let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

The key to a great cupcake starts with the right ingredients. In this case, the richness of chocolate and the creaminess of peanut butter are your main stars. To make these cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8-10 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (chopped into small pieces)

Peanut Butter Filling:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to bring these cupcakes to life. Follow this easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to create the perfect batch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make it easy to remove your cupcakes once they’re baked.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In one bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing could lead to dense cupcakes, and we’re aiming for a light, fluffy texture here.

Step 3: Add the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Once your batter is ready, fold in the chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. These pieces will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey peanut butter and chocolate within your cupcakes.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full. This will allow room for the cupcakes to rise. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent overbaking.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding the peanut butter filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the creamy peanut butter filling. In a mixing bowl, combine:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup softened butter
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick yet easy to pipe into the cupcakes.

Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small spoon or cupcake corer to carefully remove the center of each cupcake. Be sure to leave a small border along the edges and at the bottom of the cupcake. This creates space for the peanut butter filling.

Fill each cupcake with a generous spoonful of the peanut butter mixture. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; the chocolate ganache will cover up any imperfections later.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave them in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, spoon it over the filled cupcakes. Use a spatula to spread the ganache evenly on top.

Step 8: Garnish with Mini Reese’s Cups

For the final touch, place a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on top of each cupcake. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fun, decorative element.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

To ensure your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, keep these baking tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Before you start baking, make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This will help everything mix together smoothly and create a better batter texture.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so it’s important to measure your ingredients carefully. Too much flour can make your cupcakes dry, while too much sugar can make them overly sweet.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy cupcakes.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cupcakes around the 18-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cupcake, and if it comes out clean, they’re done.
• Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool before adding the peanut butter filling or chocolate ganache. This prevents the fillings from melting and ensures a perfect presentation.

How to Store and Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Storing: Store your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the cupcakes as a special treat at parties, birthdays, or holiday gatherings. For an extra indulgent experience, pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some extra peanut butter over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These cupcakes can be baked a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and add the peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache right before serving.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for the ganache, you can substitute it with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.

How do I make the cupcakes healthier?

If you’re looking to make a healthier version, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or coconut sugar, and try substituting almond flour for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that these changes may alter the flavor and texture of the cupcakes slightly.

What’s the best way to decorate these cupcakes?

In addition to the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top, you can drizzle extra peanut butter or melted chocolate over the cupcakes for an added touch of flair. For a fun variation, sprinkle crushed peanuts or sea salt on top for a salty-sweet combo.

Conclusion

Indulging in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup is always a treat, but turning them into cupcakes takes this indulgence to a whole new level. These Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are rich, decadent, and sure to impress everyone who tastes them. With their soft, chocolatey texture, creamy peanut butter filling, and luscious chocolate ganache, they are the ultimate dessert for any occasion.

Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking today. Whether it’s for a special celebration, a family gathering, or just a sweet craving, these cupcakes will definitely satisfy your taste buds. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!