Stepping into the kitchen on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t shake the sweet craving that had taken over. As I rummaged through my pantry, the sight of a few leftover mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups ignited a delightful flash of inspiration. What if I transformed these chocolatey treasures into something extraordinary? That’s how these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with a Reese’s center came to be!
Imagine biting into a soft, rich chocolate cupcake, only to be greeted by the creamy, melted heart of a Reese’s hidden inside. Topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting, these cupcakes are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Quick to whip up and perfect for celebrating life’s little moments or surprising guests at your next gathering, they are bound to become your new favorite dessert. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at ordinary cupcakes the same way again! Let’s dive in and create something wonderfully delicious together.
Why Will You Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes?
Sweet Surprise: Each bite is met with a hidden mini Reese’s, making them irresistible for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and a short prep time, these cupcakes are perfect for beginners or busy bakers.
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re sure to impress at parties, making them your new go-to for gatherings or celebrations.
Customizable: Go beyond chocolate—try them with vanilla or red velvet cake mix for a unique twist!
Perfectly Topped: The creamy peanut butter frosting adds the final touch for ultimate flavor satisfaction.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these cupcakes will make every occasion a little sweeter!
Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Cupcakes
- Chocolate cake mix – This shortcut saves time and guarantees a rich flavor!
- Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture; swap with flax eggs for a vegan twist.
- Milk – Adds richness to the batter; use almond or soy milk for a lactose-free option.
- Oil (vegetable or canola) – Keeps the cupcakes tender; melted coconut oil can add a delightful flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt – Enhances moisture and softness; plain yogurt works as a great substitute.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – These create the delicious surprise center; feel free to get creative with small chocolates!
For the Frosting
- Butter (room temperature) – Vital for a creamy texture; margarine is a dairy-free option.
- Creamy peanut butter – The star flavor of the frosting; natural peanut butter is a healthier choice.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; remember to sift for the best texture!
- Vanilla extract – A simple addition to elevate the flavor depth in both the cupcakes and frosting.
- Milk (for frosting) – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency; cream adds richness if desired.
Now that you have the ingredients ready, let’s bring these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes to life!
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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Preheat: Warm up your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick!
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Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth and creamy—this will be your cupcake batter!
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Fill: Pour the batter into each cupcake liner, filling them halfway. Then, gently insert a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each. This will create a delightful surprise!
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Bake: Place your filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, let your cupcakes cool completely in the tin. This is important to achieve the perfect texture and prevent sticking.
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Frost: For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing.
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Adjust: Add milk as needed to achieve your desired frosting consistency—smooth and spreadable is key for the perfect topping!
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Decorate: Generously frost the cooled cupcakes, adding chopped Reese’s on top for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an even more decadent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cupcake batter up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store the batter covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can bake the cupcakes up to 3 days in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they will remain just as delicious. For the frosting, make it ahead as well, and refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy dessert without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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Perfectly Moist Cupcakes: Ensure your ingredients, especially eggs and yogurt, are at room temperature for a smoother batter and softer texture.
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Avoid Sticking: Cool the cupcakes in the muffin tin completely before removing them; this prevents them from tearing or sticking to the liners.
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Frosting Consistency: Add milk gradually until you reach a spreadable texture for your frosting—too much can make it runny.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for commercial peanut butter brands for frosting to maintain a creamy texture. Natural peanut butter can be grainy and difficult to spread.
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Storage Solutions: Keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring they stay delicious and fresh.
Storage Tips for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their delightful moisture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you prefer chilling them, keep the cupcakes in the fridge for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Frost them once they’ve thawed for that freshly made taste.
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Reheating: If desired, warm individual cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their moist texture, ensuring a gooey surprise from the Reese’s peanut butter cup inside!
What to Serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes?
Imagine the delightful moment of pairing these sumptuous cupcakes with perfect accompaniments that enhance every bite.
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing, the cool creaminess of milk perfectly balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, sweet ice cream complements the cupcakes beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to each mouthful.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep, robust taste of coffee elevates the chocolate notes, creating a delightful harmony—perfect for coffee lovers!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries bring a tart freshness that cuts through the cupcake’s richness, making each bite feel lighter.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For the chocolate aficionados, adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a beautiful touch.
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Peanut Butter Smoothie: A creamy peanut butter smoothie echoes the cupcake’s flavors, making it a fun, indulgent pairing that’s perfect for dessert.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling crushed peanuts or walnuts on top adds a crunchy texture, enhancing the cupcakes’ overall experience with a delightful bite.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in this drink complement the cupcakes, creating a comforting and inviting atmosphere for guests.
These pairings will not only highlight the flavors of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes but also create a memorable dessert experience for any occasion!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes Variations
Feel free to explore flavors and ingredients that speak to your heart and taste buds with these fun twists!
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Vegan Swap: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk along with plant-based butter for a delightful vegan option.
Let every bite be as comforting as your favorite memories. -
Nut-Free: Use SunButter or a nut-free spread in the frosting to make these cupcakes safe for nut allergies.
Delicious doesn’t have to mean risking health! -
Chocolate Overload: Add cocoa powder to the frosting for an extra chocolatey twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Layers of flavor create an unforgettable experience! -
Fruity Surprise: Insert a fresh raspberry or strawberry alongside the Reese’s for a burst of fruity freshness in every bite.
Sweet and tangy, this surprise elevates the cupcakes to new heights. -
Heat It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a surprising kick in the frosting.
Sweet and spicy may just become your new favorite combination! -
Crunchy Addition: Fold crushed pretzels into the frosting for a delightful salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with sweetness.
Combining textures makes every mouthful exciting! -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry.
Everyone deserves a sweet moment, no matter the dietary preference! -
Tropical Twist: Substitute regular milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the frosting for a tropical vibe.
Transport yourself to a sunny paradise with every delightful bite!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose eggs that are fresh with no cracks, as they help create a perfect structure in the cupcakes. When it comes to milk, pick one that is near its expiration date; fresher ingredients lead to tastier results.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
The more the merrier! Store your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’re keeping them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week, but allow them to sit out at room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Absolutely! For freezing, place unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before frosting so they don’t become too moist!
What if my cupcakes stick to the liners?
Very! If you encounter sticking, it might be that they weren’t cooled completely before removal. Always allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10-15 minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their fluffy texture!
Are these cupcakes safe for those with nut allergies?
Be cautious! These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes use peanut butter and mini Reese’s, which are not safe for individuals with peanut allergies. If you’re baking for someone with such allergies, try substituting the peanut butter with sun butter or another nut-free alternative and omit the Reese’s for a safer dessert.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For a vegan cupcake, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use almond or soy milk in place of regular milk. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and be sure to check that your chocolate candy is free of nuts!
Irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into each cupcake liner, filling them halfway. Insert a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin.
- For frosting, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Add milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Generously frost the cooled cupcakes, adding chopped Reese's on top if desired.