Easy Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe

There’s something about peanut butter cupcakes that makes them irresistible. The combination of the nutty richness of peanut butter and the soft, fluffy texture of a well-baked cupcake creates a taste experience that is truly delightful. These cupcakes are the perfect indulgence for any peanut butter lover, offering both a satisfying flavor and a moist, tender crumb.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best peanut butter cupcakes at home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual treat, or simply indulging in your love of peanut butter, this recipe guarantees a delicious result.

Why These Peanut Butter Cupcakes Are Special

So, what makes peanut butter cupcakes so irresistible? Here are a few key reasons why these cupcakes stand out:

• Unbeatable Moisture: The secret to these cupcakes being so moist lies in the combination of oil, brown sugar, sour cream, and extra milk. This ensures that the cupcakes stay soft and tender, without becoming dry or dense.
• Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: The addition of creamy peanut butter in the batter, along with finely chopped peanuts, brings a deep peanut flavor that will make every bite enjoyable. The finely chopped peanuts are subtle, providing flavor without crunching.
• Simple and Quick: The recipe is easy to follow, with simple ingredients and no complicated methods. In no time, you’ll have a batch of these rich, flavorful cupcakes ready to serve.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Frosting: To complement the rich peanut butter cupcakes, we’ve paired them with a decadent chocolate peanut butter frosting. This frosting, made with creamy peanut butter and cocoa powder, is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cupcakes

To make these moist peanut butter cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients. Be sure to measure them carefully for the best results.

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour: Be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning and leveling it to avoid using too much.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This will help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil: Adds moisture without weighing down the cupcakes. Oil keeps the cupcakes soft and tender.
• 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Choose a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the best results.
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, helping the cupcakes stay soft and flavorful.
• 1 large egg: Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
• 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream: Adds extra moisture and richness to the cupcakes.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
• 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature: You can also use buttermilk for even more tenderness.
• 1/3 cup (40g) very finely chopped peanuts: Finely chopped peanuts enhance the peanut flavor without making the cupcakes crunchy.

For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: This is the base of the frosting.
• 3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar: Gives the frosting the sweetness and texture it needs.
• 1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth to the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream or milk: Adds richness and helps achieve the desired consistency.
• 1/3 cup (80g) creamy peanut butter: A generous spoonful gives the frosting its signature peanut butter flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• Optional for garnish: Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or chopped peanuts for a fun and tasty topping.

 

How to Make Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Follow these easy steps to make the best peanut butter cupcakes you’ve ever tasted:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Since this recipe yields about 14-15 cupcakes, be sure to have a second pan ready or extra liners.

2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to combine the wet ingredients: oil, peanut butter, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk and chopped peanuts. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be slightly thick.

3. Bake the Cupcakes

• Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each liner about 2/3 full.
• Bake for 21-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops of the cupcakes spring back when gently touched.
• Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

• Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer until creamy.
• Add the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Decorating and Serving Your Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Now that you’ve made your moist peanut butter cupcakes and chocolate peanut butter frosting, it’s time to assemble and serve! Decorating these cupcakes is an easy process, and there are plenty of creative ways to elevate them further.

How to Frost Peanut Butter Cupcakes

1. Prepare Your Piping Bag: Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to pipe on the frosting. For the classic tall swirl look, use a large star piping tip, such as the Ateco 849. If you’re looking for a slightly smaller swirl, you can also use the Wilton 1M tip.
2. Frost the Cupcakes: Start by piping the frosting in the center of each cupcake and gently swirl outward. Keep the pressure steady as you pipe, so the frosting forms a neat, uniform swirl.
3. Optional Garnish: If you want to go the extra mile, garnish your cupcakes with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter for added flavor and visual appeal.

Creative Decorating Ideas

While the classic chocolate peanut butter frosting works perfectly, here are a few ideas to add more flair to your cupcakes:

• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt some peanut butter and drizzle it over the top of the frosted cupcakes for a smooth, rich finish.
• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache on top for an extra layer of decadence.
• Crushed Peanuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top of the frosting.
• Candy Garnishes: Add mini peanut butter cups or even drizzle melted chocolate for a more indulgent look.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your presentation and flavor experience with a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with Ice Cream: Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
• Peanut Butter Cup Sundae: Turn your cupcakes into a sundae by placing one cupcake in a bowl, adding a scoop of ice cream, and topping it with hot fudge or caramel sauce and whipped cream.
• PB&J Twist: For a fun twist, serve your cupcakes with a side of strawberry jam or jelly for a playful PB&J flavor combination.

 

Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Cupcakes

To make sure your peanut butter cupcakes are as delicious as possible, here are a few tips and tricks:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the cupcake batter can cause the cupcakes to become dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A little bit of batter left unmixed is perfectly fine.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure all your ingredients—like the egg, sour cream, and milk—are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and creates a smoother batter.

3. Properly Measure the Flour

It’s easy to end up with too much flour if you don’t measure it correctly. The best way to measure flour is to use a spoon to fluff the flour in the container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

4. Room Temperature Butter for Frosting

Make sure your butter for the frosting is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix properly, leading to a lumpy frosting.

5. Adjust Frosting Consistency

If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk (one tablespoon at a time) to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

6. Chill the Frosting if Needed

If your frosting is too soft or runny, place it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before piping. This will help it firm up and make it easier to pipe.

Storing and Freezing Your Peanut Butter Cupcakes

If you find yourself with leftover peanut butter cupcakes or if you want to make them ahead of time, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh.

Room Temperature Storage

• Once the cupcakes are frosted and completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Be sure not to leave them uncovered for long, as this can cause the frosting to dry out and the cupcakes to lose moisture.

Refrigerating Leftovers

• If you need to store your cupcakes for longer, you can refrigerate them. Simply cover the cupcakes with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• When serving refrigerated cupcakes, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to bring back their soft, fresh texture.

Freezing Peanut Butter Cupcakes

• Unfrosted: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2-3 months. After baking and cooling, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frosted: You can also freeze frosted cupcakes, but for best results, it’s recommended to freeze them unfrosted. Frost the cupcakes after they have thawed at room temperature.
• To defrost, simply leave the cupcakes in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.

 

Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe Variations

While the classic peanut butter cupcake is a treat on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your tastes:

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Transform your cupcakes into a playful PB&J by adding a dollop of strawberry or grape jelly in the center of the cupcakes before baking.

2. Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes

For a more indulgent flavor, try adding mashed bananas to the batter. The natural sweetness of banana pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter, creating a moist, flavorful cupcake.

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Combine the best of both worlds by adding chocolate chips to the cupcake batter or topping them with a rich chocolate ganache. This variation brings out the beloved chocolate-peanut butter flavor combination.

4. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cupcakes

For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the rest of the ingredients are also certified gluten-free for the best results.

Nutritional Facts for Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Knowing the nutritional content of your favorite treats is always a good idea, especially if you’re watching your intake or planning for an upcoming event. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional facts for each peanut butter cupcake (including frosting):

Per Cupcake (with frosting):

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 29.7g
• Saturated Fat: 8.4g
• Cholesterol: 54.8mg
• Sodium: 168.3mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 65.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugars: 55.8g
• Protein: 3.8g

 

FAQs On Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

1. How do I make simple peanut butter cupcakes?

Simple peanut butter cupcakes are usually made by combining basic baking staples (flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder) with peanut butter for flavor. You just cream the butter, sugar, and peanut butter together, then add eggs, dry ingredients, and milk before baking until golden.

2. What are 3-ingredient peanut butter cupcakes?

The simplest version typically uses peanut butter, eggs, and sugar. These minimal cupcakes are more like flourless peanut butter treats—soft, rich, and chewy, with no need for additional ingredients.

3. Does BBC Good Food have a peanut butter cupcake recipe?

Yes. BBC Good Food features a recipe for peanut butter cupcakes that often includes smooth peanut butter in the batter and may suggest topping with frosting or chocolate for extra indulgence. It’s designed to be family-friendly and easy to follow.

4. Can I find peanut butter cupcakes on Allrecipes?

Absolutely. Allrecipes offers several variations of peanut butter cupcakes, from classic frosted versions to filled cupcakes. User reviews and ratings can help you pick the best one for your taste and occasion.

5. Can I add chocolate to peanut butter cupcakes?

Yes! A swirl of chocolate chips, cocoa powder in the batter, or a chocolate ganache topping pairs wonderfully with peanut butter, creating that classic flavor combination.

 

Conclusion on  Peanut Butter Cupcake

These peanut butter cupcakes are more than just a treat—they’re a true indulgence. With their moist, tender crumb and the perfect balance of peanut butter flavor, these cupcakes are a surefire way to impress family, friends, or guests at any gathering. The rich chocolate peanut butter frosting takes them to another level of decadence, making them a favorite among peanut butter lovers.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, an everyday treat, or just because, these cupcakes are easy to make and hard to resist. The best part? They’re customizable, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or get creative with variations like PB&J or chocolate peanut butter combinations.

Now that you have all the tools and tips to make the perfect batch, go ahead and bake some delicious peanut butter cupcakes that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!