Description
Indulge in rich and moist Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes featuring a tender chocolate base topped with a smooth, fluffy peanut butter buttercream frosting. These cupcakes combine the deep flavors of cocoa and coffee with the creamy sweetness of peanut butter, finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 100 g Granulated Sugar
- 100 g Brown Sugar
- 80 g Vegetable Oil
- 120 g Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 120 g Freshly Brewed Coffee (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg (room temperature)
- 180 g All Purpose Flour
- 50 g Cocoa Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
- 226 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 250 g Smooth Unsweetened Peanut Butter
- 240 g Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Heavy Cream (36% fat content)
Toppings
- Melted Chocolate (for drizzling)
- Chopped Peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 175℃ (350℉) without fan and line your cupcake tin with muffin liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Using an electric hand mixer, whip together the room temperature egg, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, freshly brewed coffee, whole milk, and vanilla extract for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting: Cream the room temperature unsalted butter and smooth peanut butter together at medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Incorporate powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time on low speed, then whip the mixture at medium-high speed for an additional 4 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and increases in volume.
- Finalize Frosting: Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, then whip for 1 more minute until smooth and silky. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed for a perfect piping texture.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Transfer the peanut butter buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your desired nozzle and pipe the frosting onto each cooled cupcake evenly.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with finely chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch and finish.
- Storage: Serve fresh for best taste. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients like egg, milk, and coffee are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling and to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- If frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add powdered sugar incrementally to adjust texture.
- Buttercream is best used immediately or stored at room temperature for a few hours; refrigerate only if necessary and bring back to room temperature before use.
- Use good quality cocoa powder and fresh coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Muffin liners help with easy removal and clean presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American