Fluffy Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Whipping up some delectable peanut butter cupcakes with strawberry frosting feels like creating pure magic in your kitchen.

Sweet dreams start with this irresistible combination of creamy and fruity flavors.

Soft, tender cupcakes promise a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary desserts.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly to craft something truly memorable.

Rich peanut butter provides a robust foundation for the delicate strawberry topping.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes you’ll absolutely adore.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular treat that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Why Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Shine

• The rich, nutty peanut butter paired with sweet, tangy strawberry frosting creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Great for birthday parties, potlucks, casual gatherings, or as a special weekend treat that doesn't require complicated techniques or fancy equipment.
• Requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, allowing you to enjoy homemade cupcakes without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cupcakes.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with browning.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cupcake batter.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Strawberries: Adds natural flavor and color to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the strawberry flavor and adds depth.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Line a muffin tin with colorful paper liners, creating the perfect home for your cupcake creations.

Step 2: Create Cupcake Batter

• Softened butter
• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar

Blend until silky smooth.

Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until perfectly incorporated.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Alternate with milk, creating a luscious batter.

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full, leaving room for delightful rising.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Craft Strawberry Frosting

In a clean bowl, whip butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

• Pureed fresh strawberries
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the frosting reaches a smooth, dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Once cupcakes have cooled, generously spread the vibrant strawberry frosting on top.

Swirl, dollop, or spread – make each cupcake a delicious work of art.

Baking Tips for Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Frosting

• Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistent cupcake texture and prevent dense or dry results.
• Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing for smoother batter and better ingredient integration.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep cupcakes light and tender.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle into the cupcake center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
• Refrigerate strawberry frosting for 10-15 minutes before spreading to achieve a more stable, spreadable consistency.

Store Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Frosting the Right Way

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Let sit for a minute to avoid overheating and maintain moisture.
• Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Pairing Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cupcakes

• Pair Creamy Peanut Butter with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, nutty cupcake flavor while cutting through the sweet strawberry frosting.
• Match Sweet Cupcakes with Refreshing Tea: Brew a light strawberry green tea or hibiscus-infused herbal tea that echoes the fruity frosting and balances the dense peanut butter cake.
• Create Textural Contrast with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled champagne or prosecco to add effervescence against the thick cupcake texture, with its crisp bubbles cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance Dessert with Complementary Liqueur: Drizzle a strawberry or raspberry liqueur alongside the cupcake to intensify the fruit notes and provide a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.

Fun Twists on Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Frosting

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly cupcakes.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, replace egg with flax egg, and select vegan peanut butter to create dairy-free and egg-free cupcakes.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, select natural peanut butter without added sugars, and create frosting with reduced powdered sugar and fresh strawberry puree for a healthier dessert.
• Protein-Packed Modification: Add protein powder to cupcake batter, use Greek yogurt instead of milk, and incorporate chia seeds for extra nutrition and protein boost.

FAQs

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just ensure it’s well mixed into the batter for even distribution.

• How do I prevent my cupcakes from being dry?

Avoid overbaking and measure ingredients precisely. Check cupcakes at 18 minutes and remove from oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to maintain moisture.

• What if I don't have fresh strawberries for the frosting?

You can use high-quality strawberry preserves or strawberry jam as an alternative. Just strain to remove seeds for a smoother frosting consistency.

• Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Use a 1:1 replacement ratio for best results.

Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet peanut butter cupcakes dance with luscious strawberry frosting, creating a delightful dessert that blends creamy richness and fruity charm. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each bite of this irresistible treat that balances classic comfort with playful elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
2. Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate egg and vanilla, blending thoroughly until a uniform consistency develops.
3. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a smooth batter. Distribute the batter evenly, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full.
4. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean.
5. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing condensation from forming.
6. Prepare frosting by whipping butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Gradually introduce pureed strawberries and vanilla extract, mixing until a silky, spreadable consistency is achieved.
7. Once cupcakes have reached room temperature, generously apply the vibrant strawberry frosting using a spatula or piping bag, creating smooth and appealing tops.

Notes

• Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to control sugar levels and enhance the authentic nutty flavor in your cupcakes.
• Consider using room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
• Swap whole milk with alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the cupcake’s rich texture.
• Freeze fresh strawberries in advance for a more concentrated and intense frosting flavor, especially when seasonal berries aren’t available.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg