Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

Introduction

Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the sweet and savory combo of chocolate and peanut butter. These cupcakes are everything you could want in a dessert: soft, moist chocolate cake, a rich and creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache on top. It’s a flavor combination that’s as satisfying as it is decadent.

I first made these cupcakes for a friend’s birthday, and let me tell you, they were a huge hit. The moment the peanut butter filling was revealed, everyone’s eyes lit up! The contrast between the fluffy chocolate cake and the creamy, rich peanut butter is what makes these cupcakes so irresistible. Each bite is pure joy, especially when the chocolate ganache melts in your mouth and combines perfectly with the peanut butter.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile too. You can adjust the sweetness of the peanut butter filling to your liking or experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache. These cupcakes also make a fantastic treat for a party, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion. Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s face and add that extra special touch to any dessert spread!

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Dessert tables
• Afternoon snacks
• Peanut butter lovers
• Special celebrations

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes will quickly become a favorite:

• Peanut Butter and Chocolate Perfection: The combination of chocolate cake and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven, offering a sweet and savory balance.
• Delightful Surprise Center: Each bite of these cupcakes unveils a creamy peanut butter filling, adding an extra layer of excitement to every cupcake.
• Soft and Moist Cake: The rich chocolate cake is perfectly soft and moist, creating a tender base for the decadent peanut butter filling.
• Visually Impressive: With the dark chocolate ganache topping, these cupcakes look as good as they taste, making them ideal for special occasions and dessert displays.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cupcakes can be baked and filled in advance, making them easy to prepare ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes:

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water

Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on preference)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt

Chocolate Ganache:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps create a moist and tender cupcake with a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key to creating a rich, chocolatey taste in the cupcake batter.
• Peanut Butter: The peanut butter filling adds a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly, creating a luscious surprise center.
• Chocolate Ganache: The ganache provides a smooth, glossy chocolate finish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the flavor of the cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes:

Make the Chocolate Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Add Hot Water: Stir in the hot water to thin the batter. It will be runny, which is normal for a moist cupcake.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:

8. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

9. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
10. Make the Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

11. Create a Hole for the Filling: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake, creating a hole for the peanut butter filling.
12. Fill with Peanut Butter: Spoon or pipe the peanut butter filling into the hollowed-out center of each cupcake. Be generous with the filling!
13. Top with Ganache: Spoon or drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each filled cupcake, allowing it to gently overflow over the edges.
14. Let the Ganache Set: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion and can be served in several ways:

• At Parties: Serve on a dessert table alongside other treats like cookies and brownies for a diverse and indulgent spread.
• With Ice Cream: Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fun and creamy dessert.
• For Special Occasions: Serve at birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any celebration for a sweet, homemade touch.
• As a Sweet Snack: These cupcakes are great for an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or milk.
• For Gift-Giving: Package them in a decorative box for a homemade gift that will surely be appreciated.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes:

• Don’t Overfill the Cupcakes: When filling the cupcake liners with batter, be sure to only fill them two-thirds full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature to help the ingredients blend together smoothly.
• Peanut Butter Texture: Choose a smooth peanut butter for an easy-to-fill cupcake center, but if you love texture, feel free to use chunky peanut butter.
• Adjust the Ganache Consistency: If you want a thicker ganache, let it sit for a little longer to cool and thicken up before pouring it over the cupcakes.
• Use a Cupcake Corer: A cupcake corer makes removing the center of the cupcakes easy and neat, ensuring a perfect space for the filling.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes:

• Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate ganache for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Nutella Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Add a layer of Nutella along with the peanut butter filling for a chocolaty twist.
• Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes: Incorporate mashed bananas into the cupcake batter for a fruity, sweet touch.
• Dark Chocolate Ganache: Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Fill the cupcakes with peanut butter and jelly for a nostalgic treat.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes: Add chopped peanut butter cups into the cupcake batter for a candy-filled surprise.
• Maple Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Use maple syrup instead of sugar in the filling for a sweet, syrupy twist.
• Coconut Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Top with toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• S’mores Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Add graham cracker crumbs to the batter and top with mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired version.
• Chocoholic Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Swirl chocolate syrup into the peanut butter filling for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cupcakes freeze well. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes easier:

• Cupcake Liners: Use sturdy cupcake liners to help the cupcakes hold their shape during baking.
• Cupcake Corer: A cupcake corer makes it easy to remove the center of the cupcakes for filling.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will make mixing the cupcake batter and peanut butter filling quick and easy.
• Piping Bag: Use a piping bag to neatly fill the cupcakes with peanut butter filling.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for cooling the cupcakes evenly.
• Whisk: A whisk is perfect for incorporating air into the dry ingredients and creating a light batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that the proportions of ingredients are perfect for the cupcakes.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: A microwave-safe bowl is useful for melting the chocolate for the ganache.
• Spatula: A rubber spatula helps you scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
• Small Spoon: Use a small spoon to scoop the peanut butter filling into the cupcakes.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes:

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for the filling, which will add some texture to the cupcakes.
2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and prepare the filling and ganache a day ahead. Just assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cupcakes.
4. Can I use a different filling instead of peanut butter?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, Nutella, or even a cream cheese filling.
5. How can I make these cupcakes more decadent?
   Add a few mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for extra flavor and crunch.

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Conclusion

Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers, combining rich chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. These cupcakes are not only a delight to eat but also a treat to the eyes with their irresistible layers and glossy finish. The balance of the rich chocolate cake and smooth, peanut butter center creates a mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, yet elegant enough for a party or gathering, and their rich flavor combination is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Enjoy these delectable bites of sweetness and savor the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite! I can’t wait to see how your Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!