This was a favorite peanut butter cupcake recipe a few years back. Since then, I’ve worked to perfect them. My updated peanut butter cupcakes recipe is extra moist, soft, and completely packed with peanut flavor. Using oil instead of butter, adding sour cream, and extra milk are the secrets. I would love to know if you try either recipe!
I’ve never shared my peanut butter cupcake recipe with you before and today I’m bringing the peanutbutteriest recipe I’ve made yet. (Besides peanut butter cookies, of course!) I slathered these peanut butter cupcakes with dark chocolate frosting. This perfect pairing will give anything “decadent” you’ve ever tasted a run for its money.
You’ll be yearning for a tall glass of milk after your first bite!
After recipe testing, I’ve found that peanut butter cupcakes can either be (1) way too dry, (2) much too dense, (3) lacking peanut butter flavor, or (4) all of the above. I was often stuck in a peanut butter cupcake conundrum before this recipe came to life. Dark brown sugar, 2/3 cup peanut butter, 2 eggs, and a little milk work their magic to make these cupcakes extra delicious.
Update: And you know what? I have an even better peanut butter cupcakes recipe on my blog now. After several of you made the peanut butter cupcake recipe below and commented that they still tasted dry, I worked to improve them. I’m so pleased with the new peanut butter cupcakes recipe, so let me know if you try them! I’m leaving the original peanut butter cupcake recipe below too!
Is there anything better than a peanut butter cupcake topped with chocolate frosting? Yes, there is. A peanut butter cupcake topped with chocolate frosting topped with a mini peanut butter cup! Or heck, how about this chocolate peanut butter cake?!
PrintPeanut Butter Cupcakes with Dark Chocolate Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This was a favorite peanut butter cupcake recipe a few years back. Since then, I’ve worked to perfect them. My updated peanut butter cupcakes recipe is extra moist, soft, and completely packed with peanut flavor. Using oil instead of butter, adding sour cream, and extra milk are the secrets. I would love to know if you try either recipe!
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 and 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (170g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk*
Dark Chocolate Frosting
- 2 and 3/4 cups (330g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2/3 cup (55g) unsweetened cocoa powder, I used Hershey’s Special Dark
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 Tablespoons (95ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 12-count muffin pan with liners. Set aside.
- Make the cupcakes: Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes on medium speed. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add in vanilla. Scrape down the sides as needed. Slowly beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not over-mix. Batter will be thick.
- Divide batter evenly between 12 cupcake tins. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to assure there are no lumps. Set aside.
- With a handheld of stand mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until fluffy—about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar/cocoa powder alternately with the heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on low speed after each addition. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too dark. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. I used Wilton tip #12 to pipe my frosting.
- Cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store covered in the refrigerator is desired for up to 1 week. I recommend a cupcake carrier for storing and transporting decorated cupcakes.
Notes
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 12-count Muffin Pan | Cupcake Liners | Glass Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Mesh Sieve | Cupcake Carrier (for storage)
- Frosting: Don’t like dark chocolate? Try my Chocolate Frosting instead.
- Milk: I usually use buttermilk in this recipe. Buttermilk will add extra moisture.
- Be sure to check out my 10 tips for baking the BEST cupcakes before you begin!