There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, and these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes take that classic duo to a whole new level. Picture this: a rich, moist chocolate cupcake cradling a sweet surprise of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup right in the center. It’s like unwrapping a little piece of joy at every bite!
I first whipped these up for a last-minute gathering, and the delightful aroma wafting through my kitchen had everyone buzzing with anticipation. Topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, these cupcakes are not just visually stunning, but they also strike the perfect balance between indulgent and delightful.
What’s even better? They are incredibly simple to make, perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat to elevate your day, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some magic in your kitchen!
Why are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes a must-try?
Irresistibly delicious: Each bite combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a flavor explosion.
Quick preparation: Using chocolate cake mix makes whipping these up a breeze, saving you time in the kitchen.
Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to impress at any gathering, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite candy or frosting for a personal twist.
Perfectly moist: The surprise mini Reese’s inside keeps these cupcakes delightful and indulgent.
Dive into this easy recipe, and you’ll see why these cupcakes are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcake Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful treat:
For the Cupcakes
- Chocolate cake mix – A time-saving convenience that provides a rich base for your cupcakes.
- Eggs – Essential for binding ingredients; swap with flax eggs for a vegan version if desired.
- Milk – Adds moisture; almond or soy milk are great lactose-free alternatives.
- Oil (vegetable or canola) – Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist; melted coconut oil adds a nice flavor twist.
- Plain Greek yogurt – Contributes to moisture and a tender crumb; regular yogurt is a fine substitute.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – The star of the show that creates a delightful surprise in each bite.
For the Frosting
- Butter (room temperature) – Ensures your frosting is light and creamy; margarine works well for a dairy-free option.
- Creamy peanut butter – The main flavor hero in the frosting; choose natural peanut butter for a healthier treat.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens your frosting; always sift for a lump-free consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor depth of both the cupcake and frosting.
- Milk (for frosting) – Adjusts the frosting’s texture; use cream for an even richer consistency.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re one step closer to making these irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes!
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to get ready for your delicious treats.
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Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth and well-blended, creating a luscious batter.
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Fill liners: Carefully fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter. Place a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each, ensuring it’s nestled comfortably.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean. They should puff up nicely!
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Cool: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin. This helps set their lovely structure and flavor.
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Make frosting: For the frosting, beat together the butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
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Adjust texture: Mix in milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency—smooth and spreadable, perfect for adorning your cupcakes.
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Frost cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost each one with your creamy peanut butter frosting. Top with additional chopped Reese’s if you like extra candy goodness!
Optional: Garnish with crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcake Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cupcakes to suit your taste and occasion!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a delightful treat everyone can enjoy.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk and dairy-free butter to make these cupcakes entirely plant-based.
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Nut-Free: Opt for sunbutter instead of peanut butter in the frosting, and skip the mini Reese’s for a truly nut-free dessert.
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Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for an unexpected depth that beautifully enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Swirled Frosting: Create a marbled effect by swirling the peanut butter frosting with melted chocolate frosting for a stunning visual and flavor delight.
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Stuffed: Replace mini Reese’s with diced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that balances the richness of chocolate.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon in the cupcake batter to give it a fun, spicy surprise!
With these variations in mind, you can take your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes to a whole new level of deliciousness!
How to Store and Freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Room Temperature: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain their moistness and flavor.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store in the refrigerator. They will last up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: To freeze, place unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Frost them when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet treat!
Reheating: If you’ve frozen frosted cupcakes, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight, then enjoy at room temperature, or reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, melty surprise inside.
Expert Tips for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes
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Use cold ingredients: Start with room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
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Avoid overmixing: Gently combine your batter to maintain that tender, moist texture; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
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Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean but moist—a sign of perfectly baked Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes.
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Let cupcakes cool: Always allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
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Store properly: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cupcake batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and yogurt, then refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups can also be inserted into the cupcake liner just before baking for an effortless finish. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool and refrigerate them (unfrosted) for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, whip up the frosting and decorate the cupcakes for an indulgent treat that’s just as delicious with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes?
Imagine the joy of pairing these delightful cupcakes with perfect accompaniments that enhance every luscious bite.
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk balances the richness of the cupcakes while providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy frosting.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The smoothness of vanilla ice cream enhances the peanut butter flavor, creating a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist.
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Coffee: A rich cup of coffee provides a deliciously bitter note that perfectly cuts through the sweetness of the cupcakes, creating a lovely balance.
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Fresh Berries: Try serving with a side of raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness adds a bright, fruity contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cupcakes for chocolate lovers, intensifying the chocolate-peanut butter delight.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix composed of nuts and dried fruits adds texture and a healthful twist to your dessert spread.
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Chilled Lemonade: The zesty freshness of lemonade refreshes the palate, providing a sweet and tangy burst with every bite.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For an indulgent treat, serve these cupcakes with a rich chocolate milkshake for a dessert experience that’s simply out of this world.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chocolate cake mix for my cupcakes?
Absolutely! Look for a high-quality chocolate cake mix to ensure a rich flavor. Check the ingredient list to avoid any artificial additives and opt for brands with a good reputation. If you prefer a certain sweetness level, some brands even offer reduced sugar options that work well too!
How should I store my cupcakes after baking?
To keep your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you’re feeling generous, you can even share a few with friends! For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they will last up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes?
Absolutely! To freeze, I recommend first cooling your unfrosted cupcakes completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
What should I do if my cupcakes sink in the middle?
If your cupcakes sink, don’t worry—this can happen! Ensure you measured the ingredients accurately, especially the leavening agents like baking powder or soda. Also, try not to open the oven door too often while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause them to collapse. Next time, bake them a bit longer to allow for a better rise—check for doneness with a toothpick!
Are there any dietary considerations for making these cupcakes?
Very much so! If you’re looking to make allergen-friendly cupcakes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a nut-free butter for the frosting. For a vegan version, select plant-based milk and confirm that your cake mix is dairy-free. Always check labels for allergens if you’re serving others!
How can I ensure my frosting isn’t too runny?
If your frosting seems too runny, it could be that the butter wasn’t fully creamed or you’ve added too much milk. Start with room temperature butter and gradually add the powdered sugar until you get the right consistency. If it’s still too thin, sift in more powdered sugar until it thickens up—patience is key!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Irresistibly Moist & Easy to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) 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 and well-blended.
- Carefully fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter and place a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the center.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin.
- For the frosting, beat together the butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Mix in milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost each one with your creamy peanut butter frosting.