Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

If you’re craving a dessert that’s moist, fluffy, and filled with a creamy surprise, these Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are exactly what you need. This recipe gives you the perfect balance of tender vanilla cupcakes bursting with rich, luscious peanut butter in every bite. Whether it’s for a celebration, an afternoon treat, or just because, these cupcakes combine familiar flavors in a way that feels fresh, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: These cupcakes are light and fluffy on the outside, with a creamy peanut butter center that melts in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry essentials, meaning you can whip them up anytime without a special trip to the store.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cupcakes are perfect for family gatherings and parties.
• Customizable Filling: The peanut butter center can be adjusted in sweetness or swapped with other nut butters for variety.
• Great for All Seasons: These cupcakes fit every occasion, whether it’s summer picnics or cozy winter desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes are straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect moistness and rich flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the light vanilla base to the creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and softness necessary for a fluffy cupcake.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the peanut butter’s natural saltiness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• Butter: Use unsalted for control over salt levels, contributing to moistness and richness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and light.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the cupcakes’ flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: For the decadent filling, ensure it’s smooth for easy piping and that velvety texture.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): If you want to sweeten your peanut butter filling to perfection.

Variations for Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak the filling and flavor to match your mood, diet, or what’s in your pantry. Let’s dive into some fun and tasty adaptations.

• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add cocoa powder to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an irresistible combo.
• Natural Nut Butter Swap: Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a unique flavor profile.
• Honey Sweetened Filling: Mix a bit of honey into the peanut butter for a natural sweetness boost.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs and dairy with flax seeds and plant-based milk, and use vegan butter alternatives.

How to Make Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – ensuring they’re well combined for even rising.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, which helps to incorporate air and create a fluffy base.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cupcakes light.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.

Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cupcakes cool, mix creamy peanut butter with a little powdered sugar (if desired) until smooth and fluffy. This makes the filling irresistibly creamy and perfectly sweet.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes

Using a small knife or cupcake corer, gently remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the hollow space with the peanut butter mixture, then replace the cupcake top or fill and frost as you like.

Step 7: Optional Frosting and Garnish

For an extra touch, frost the cupcakes with vanilla buttercream or peanut butter frosting and sprinkle with chopped peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate.

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for easy blending and optimal texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep cupcakes tender and airy.
• Use a Cupcake Corer: For perfectly sized centers, use a cupcake corer tool to hollow out cupcakes neatly.
• Chill the Filling: If your peanut butter filling is too soft, chill it slightly to make piping easier.
• Test Your Oven: Every oven bakes differently; test with one cupcake first if unsure.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes

Garnishes

Top your cupcakes with a swirl of peanut butter frosting, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate both the look and the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a simple glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance richness with refreshing simplicity, making every bite a delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand for an elegant display, or package them in decorative cupcake boxes for delightful gifts that will impress every peanut butter fan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the filling fresh.

Freezing

Wrap cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm cupcakes slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive softness without melting the filling, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but the filling may be chunkier and harder to pipe smoothly into the cupcakes, so mixing it well or slightly warming it can help.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from drying out?

Don’t overbake and be sure to store them in airtight containers to retain moisture for maximum softness.

Can I make these cupcakes nut-free?

You can replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread, but note the flavor will change accordingly.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes vegan?

Definitely! Use plant-based milk, egg substitutes like flax eggs, and vegan butter to keep these cupcakes suitable for vegan diets.

How can I make the peanut butter filling sweeter or less sweet?

Adjust the amount of powdered sugar or mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup to customize the sweetness level of your filling.

Final Thoughts

These Peanut Butter Filled Cupcakes offer an unforgettable experience in just one bite — fluffy cake and a rich, creamy peanut butter center that’s pure joy. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite for every occasion, bringing smiles and peanut butter bliss!

Related Posts

• Strawberry Donut Hole Recipe
• Delicious Apple Pie Rice Krispie Treats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins

Print