Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Homemade Peanut Butter Cupcakes topped with creamy Peanut Butter Frosting are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

When it comes to favorites in this house – peanut butter is always near the top of the list. So when it comes to recipes for birthdays and special holidays – I always pull out this easy recipe for homemade peanut butter cupcakes.

What I love about this cupcake recipe is that it is simple and straightforward. Plus it packs in BIG peanut butter flavor for all those PB fanatics out there.

Then we top it with a super creamy peanut butter buttercream frosting that you’ll want to add to more than just cupcakes. I promise that all those PB lovers out there will be completely in love with these cupcakes.

Common Questions about Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter for the cupcakes and frosting?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter. Just be aware that natural peanut butter may have a different texture than creamy peanut butter, and may affect the consistency of the cupcakes and frosting.

Be sure to stir it REALLY WELL so it has the same consistency as other types of peanut butter before you add it to the recipe.

Just keep in mind that some brands can be oilier than others and some brands are dryer than others. This will change the end result when making this swap.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

All you need to make the best peanut butter muffins are some standard supplies that are likely already in most bakers’ cabinets.

• Spatula
• Cupcake liners
• 12-cup muffin pan
• Stand mixer with a paddle attachment or handheld electric mixer
• Large bowl
• Wire rack
• Piping bag (or Ziploc bag with the tip snipped)
• Piping Tip

Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour, for the cupcakes?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour, for the cupcakes. However, this may affect the texture and taste of the cupcakes, so it is best to experiment with small batches first.

This change can affect the way the cupcakes rise as well as their density, crumble, moisture content as well as how long it takes for them to bake.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cupcakes

• cake flour
• granulated sugar
• light brown sugar packed
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• butter – melted – unsalted
• vegetable oil or canola
• peanut butter – creamy
• eggs – room temperature
• vanilla extract
• sour cream
• buttermilk

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Frosting

• peanut butter – creamy
• 1butter – room temperature – unsalted
• confectioner’s sugar
• salt
• milk

How to Make Peanut Butter Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare two muffin pans with cupcake liners. Spritz the cupcake liners with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter and the oil to that dry ingredient mixture, beating until blended. The mixture will be thick like cookie dough.
5. Beat the peanut butter into the dough until mixed throughout.
6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well between each addition and scrape down the sides as needed.
7. Next, mix in the vanilla, sour cream, and buttermilk until evenly mixed.
8. Using a large cookie scoop, fill the cupcake liners about ⅔ full.
9. Bake the cupcakes for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
10. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack prior to frosting.

How to Make Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Beat together the peanut butter and the butter until creamy.
2. Add the confectioner’s sugar and salt, beating until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the milk to the frosting, scraping down the sides, and beat until fluffy or about 1 minute.
4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and decorate the cupcakes as desired.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the cupcakes ahead of time and freeze them. Just be sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before freezing them.

To thaw the cupcakes, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

How long will the cupcakes stay fresh?

The cupcakes will stay fresh for 2-3 days if stored on a plate wrapped in plastic wrap. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

I don’t recommend storing these at room temperature unless you do it before you add the frosting. Once the frosting is added – these will need to be refrigerated because of the butter in the frosting.

Take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes prior to serving so the frosting can warm up and become creamy again.

Pro Tips

For tender cupcakes, don’t over-mix. You can use a hand mixer and a medium bowl or stand mixer at medium speed or medium-high speed for a short time.

Heavy cream can be used instead of milk when making these fluffy peanut butter cupcakes.

The frosting can be used with chocolate cake to make peanut butter chocolate cupcakes or you can use chocolate frosting on these cupcakes for chocolate peanut butter cupcakes that are a peanut butter lovers dream.

Try adding jam to the top of the cupcakes to make jelly cupcakes.

These peanut butter treats have a moist crumb that is better than anything you’ll find in the grocery store.

Tips For The Best Peanut Butter Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients: Be sure to use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk. This helps the ingredients mix together more easily and evenly.
• Cream the butter and sugar well: Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy creates a tender crumb and airy texture in the cupcakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can cause the cupcakes to become tough and dense. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Use high-quality peanut butter: Use high-quality, smooth, and creamy peanut butter to ensure the cupcakes have a good peanut butter flavor and a smooth texture.
• Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. This will ensure the cupcakes bake evenly and have a uniform size.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding frosting to them. Otherwise, the frosting may melt or slide off the cupcakes.
• Use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes: Using a piping bag to frost the cupcakes will create a neater and more professional-looking finished product.
• Garnish the cupcakes with peanuts or chocolate chips: Add some texture and extra flavor to your peanut butter cupcakes by sprinkling chopped peanuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Peanut butter cupcakes pair well with a variety of different beverages and snacks. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with peanut butter cupcakes:

• Milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for peanut butter cupcakes. The creamy sweetness of the milk complements the nutty flavor of the cupcakes.
• Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, a cup of coffee with your peanut butter cupcake is a great pairing. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Tea: Tea is another great option to pair with peanut butter cupcakes. A lightly sweetened tea, such as Earl Grey or green tea, can complement the nutty flavor of the cupcakes without overwhelming it.
• Ice cream: For a decadent dessert, try serving your peanut butter cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of the cupcakes.
• Fruit: For a healthier option, serve your peanut butter cupcakes with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or bananas. The sweetness of the fruit can complement the sweetness of the cupcakes while adding some nutritional value to your dessert.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

There are several reasons why you should make this recipe for homemade peanut butter cupcakes with creamy peanut butter frosting:

• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it easy for even novice bakers to create delicious cupcakes at home.
• Delicious: Peanut butter cupcakes are a classic favorite, with a rich, nutty flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the batter, or by garnishing the cupcakes with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat your friends and family, these cupcakes are perfect for sharing and are sure to impress.
• Fun baking project: Baking can be a fun and rewarding activity, and making these cupcakes is a great way to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the process of baking.

Variations and Add-ins

There are many variations and add-ins you can incorporate into your peanut butter cupcakes to create a unique and personalized dessert. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist on classic peanut butter cupcakes.
• M&Ms: Mix in some M&Ms for a colorful and playful addition to your cupcakes.
• Jam or jelly filling: Fill the cupcakes with your favorite jam or jelly for a surprise burst of flavor in the center.
• Cream cheese frosting: Top the cupcakes with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a delicious contrast to the sweet peanut butter cupcakes.
• Honey-roasted peanuts: Garnish the cupcakes with chopped honey-roasted peanuts for a crunchy, sweet addition.
• Marshmallow frosting: Top the cupcakes with a fluffy marshmallow frosting for a delicious peanut butter and marshmallow flavor combination.
• Banana slices: Top the cupcakes with a slice of fresh banana for a delicious flavor pairing with the peanut butter.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cupcakes for a sweet and gooey addition.

With these variations and add-ins, you can customize your peanut cupcakes to make them exactly what you want.

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If you love this easy peanut butter cupcake recipe, you’re going to love these other cupcakes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Peanut Butter Recipes

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

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