Wow... these cupcakes really are unforgettable, but somehow they managed to slip my mind. It wasn't until I was grazing through my iPhoto that I scrolled past the pictures of these. I had to scroll back again, then searched through my blog and couldn't believe I never shared this recipe with you!
I made these near the end of last year for a coworker friend of mine who was leaving the company. Since she was a chocolate lover, we decided to do a chocolate buffet on her last day. This was one of the treats I contributed to the buffet.
If you are a chocolate and peanut butter combination fan, you will love these cupcakes! The peanut butter frosting is a dangerous delight, as you will be tempted to lick the entire bowl of frosting and leave none for topping the cupcakes. Personally, I'm also at risk of eating the entire peanut butter filling without leaving any for the cupcake centers! In other words, you must practice self control when making these! 🙂
Another word of warning... grab a big cup of cold milk when indulging as these are very rich. Somehow I still manage to eat a couple at a time!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
For the filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cake:
1 ⅔ cups flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
2 large eggs
For the frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line two cupcake pans with liners.
For the filling, mix the powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter and vanilla in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat at medium speed until fully combined. With your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, creating at least 24 count. Set aside on wax paper or a baking sheet.
For the cake, stir together the sour cream, milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl. In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beating one at a time, mix in the eggs. Scrape down the bowl. Mixing at low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Spoon or pipe a tablespoon or two of the batter into each cupcake liner. Drop a peanut butter ball into each cupcake well and top with the remaining cake batter. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until passes toothpick test. Cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. Using the paddle attachment of the electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, butter and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar. Blend until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.
Source: Adapted from Annie's Eats
Monica says
I was wondering if using the all natural peanut butter (no sugar added) would work well with this recipe? What peanut butter did you use?
Nikki says
I always use JIF (not natural). Not sure if the all natural will work as I never tried it for this recipe. Sorry I couldn't help more!
Chrissy says
I made these cupcakes and the were absolutely delicious! To quote my fiance "the best cupcakes he has ever had" (But keep in mind chocolate/peanut butter is his all time favorite flavor). You HAVE to make these!!!!
Tracy says
i made these cupcakes a week ago for my birthday. they were a HUGE hit. no one could stop raving. thanks so much for posting! these are going permanently in my baking book. only problem i had was the peanut butter filling. it was very sticky so i had to freeze it for a bit before i could roll it into balls. that worked out well because then the filling was very ooey gooey. thanks again!
Penny says
I agree with Bob....me want...want NOW! I have got to try these!
ingrid says
I don't care for chocolate or PB on their own....but put them together and then magic happens! And YES, we MUST have a large icy cold glass of milk.
~ingrid
Kathleen says
These look sooooo yummy! I wish I had one (really probably at least 3) right now!!!
Megan says
These look absolutely delicious! I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It looks like there's a Reese's in each cupcake-and I love all the frosting piled up on top. YUM!!
Veronica says
I saved the recipe from Annie's Eats months ago and now it's back to haunt and taunt me on your blog as well! I think it's a sign. I need to make these!
Memoria says
I've made this before. My colleague loved them!!
Bob says
...
Want. Want now. I've had peanut butter frosting before, but never peanut butter cream cheese frosting. That must be like some kind of wonderful drug!
Sara says
Heavenly!!
April says
Oh boy, hubby is going to thank you! I may have to make these for his birthday in 2 months!
Teanna says
YES! So these cupcakes are exactly the type of cupcakes that need to be in my life!