Delicious cupcakes filled with a gooey Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup surprise, topped with creamy peanut butter frosting.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time22 minutesmins
Total Time42 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cupcakes, Easy
Servings: 12servings
Calories: 350kcal
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Muffin Tin
Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1cupAll-purpose flour
1cupGranulated sugar
1/3cupUnsweetened cocoa powder
1teaspoonBaking soda
1/2teaspoonBaking powder
1/4teaspoonSalt
Wet Ingredients
1/2cupButtermilk(or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested 5 minutes)
1/2cupVegetable oil
1largeEgg
1teaspoonVanilla extract
1/2cupHot water or hot coffee
Filling
12piecesMiniature or regular Reese’s Peanut Butter CupsFrozen for 10 minutes before baking
Frosting
1cupUnsalted butterSoftened
1cupCreamy peanut butter
2 1/2cupsPowdered sugar
1/4cupHeavy cream or milk
1pinchSalt
1teaspoonVanilla extract
Optional Toppings
Drizzled melted chocolate or ganache
Chopped Reese’s Cups
Mini Reese’s cups
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Cups - Place Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients - In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Add Hot Water or Coffee - Gradually mix in the hot water or hot coffee.
Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners - Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter. Place a frozen peanut butter cup in the center of each.
Step 7: Cover and Bake - Spoon additional batter on top to cover the peanut butter cups fully. Bake in a preheated oven for 18-22 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Completely - Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting - Beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat well.
Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes - Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting generously on each cupcake.
Step 11: Add Toppings - Drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache and sprinkle chopped Reese’s Cups or place mini Reese’s cups on top.
Notes
For best results, freeze the peanut butter cups before baking and ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting.