Chocolate and peanut butter make an irresistible pair. Now picture that combo in a cupcake: soft chocolate cake with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup hidden inside and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting.
these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are a straightforward yet impressive treat that’s bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. Not only are these cupcakes easy to make, but they’re also a perfect fit for any gathering, family get-together, or weekend treat. Let’s dive into creating these delectable cupcakes that will make you the hit of any dessert table!
Grandma’s Sweet Secret: How She Taught Me to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
When I think back on all the afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, one memory stands out vividly: the day she taught me how to make her famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes. She had a way of making baking feel like a grand adventure, and her kitchen was a treasure trove of recipes that had been perfected over the years. But this recipe, in particular, felt like a special gift.
It was a chilly Saturday, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the sweet, warm aroma of chocolate. Grandma was already setting out the ingredients with that familiar gleam in her eye that meant we were about to make something unforgettable. “Today,” she announced with a grin, “we’re making my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes.”
I was thrilled. Growing up, these cupcakes had been my favorite treat, but I’d never seen her make them from scratch. As we got started, she shared the story of how she’d come across the recipe by accident. She’d been baking a batch of plain chocolate cupcakes one day when she had the sudden thought, Why not add a Reese’s in the center for a little surprise? And just like that, her signature cupcakes were born.
She showed me every step with care, letting me crack the eggs, measure the milk, and even sneak a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or two (for “taste-testing purposes,” of course). She taught me the trick to make the batter extra fluffy, “Just a dollop of Greek yogurt,” she said with a wink, “trust me.” I remember laughing as we mixed the batter and filled the cupcake liners, half of our conversation was made up of sweet memories and baking tips.
As we pushed the first batch into the oven, Grandma began whipping up the creamy peanut butter frosting. She always made it with the perfect amount of sweetness, and I watched, mesmerized, as she piped it onto each cupcake, topping them off with a sprinkle of chopped Reese’s. She called it “extra love.”
When the cupcakes were finally ready, we sat down with our masterpieces, each with a cupcake in hand. I bit into that soft, chocolatey cupcake with the hidden Reese’s center, the flavors melting together in a way that was nothing short of magic. Grandma beamed as she watched my face light up, proud of what we’d created together.
“Now you know the secret,” she whispered, her hand warm over mine. Passing down her Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes recipe was more than just showing me how to bake; it was her way of sharing a part of herself, a memory wrapped in chocolate and peanut butter.
These cupcakes will forever remind me of her—the laughter, the sweet scents of her kitchen, and the joy of baking together. Now, every time I make them, it feels like she’s right there beside me, guiding my hand, and filling my heart with her warmth.
Why We Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake Recipe!
- Easy to Make – With a cake mix as a base, these cupcakes come together quickly without sacrificing taste.
- A Surprise Inside – Each bite reveals a hidden Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, adding an unexpected twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers.
Ingredients for Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes
Before getting started, it’s helpful to gather all the ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of about 24 cupcakes.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix – any standard chocolate cake mix works great.
- 3 large eggs – adds richness and structure to the cupcakes.
- 1 cup milk – provides moisture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil – gives a tender texture.
- 2 heaping tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt – boosts moistness and adds a subtle tang.
- 20 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, plus extra for garnish – the centerpiece of these cupcakes!
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature – the base of a creamy frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter – the star ingredient, providing that signature flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sweetens and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – adjust to reach the desired consistency.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two standard cupcake pans with paper liners. This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes, so having enough pans ready will save time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps. The Greek yogurt adds a slight tanginess and moisture, elevating the texture and taste.
Step 3: Fill and Add Reese’s
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one halfway. Then, place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each cup. No need to press it down; it will sink as the cupcakes bake, creating a delicious center.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cupcakes for about 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the Reese’s) comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. Add milk as needed, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on top of each one. If you want a decorative touch, use a piping bag with a star tip for a swirl effect. Garnish with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Expert Tips for Reese’s Peanut Butter cup cupcakes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps your batter mix more evenly, resulting in a better texture for both cupcakes and frosting.
- Hide the Reese’s Cup: For a surprise filling, you can cover the Reese’s with a small spoonful of batter after placing it in the liner.
- Chill the Frosting: For firmer frosting that’s easier to pipe, let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before applying it to the cupcakes.
- Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes: If you’re making these in advance, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container, then frost them just before serving.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top the frosted cupcakes with crushed peanuts or Reese’s Pieces for added texture.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter frosting for a caramel-chocolate-peanut butter trifecta.
Serving Suggestions for Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes
These cupcakes are versatile and can suit many occasions. Serve them as a decadent treat at birthday parties, family gatherings, or weekend get-togethers. Their impressive presentation and delicious flavors make them perfect for dessert buffets or potluck tables.
How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Once frosted, store these cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and add the frosting.
Frequently Asked Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Absolutely. If you prefer a bit of texture in the frosting, opt for crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. The slight crunch pairs well with the smooth chocolate cupcake base.
How Can I Make the Frosting Thicker?
If your frosting feels too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for a few minutes can help firm it up for easier piping.
Bake Your Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Today!
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes. With their rich chocolate flavor, creamy peanut butter frosting, and hidden Reese’s Cup surprise, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. Share them with friends and family or enjoy one (or two) yourself. Trust me, these cupcakes are worth every bite. Get baking and bring a touch of indulgence to your day,
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Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes recipe
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Hand Mixer
Muffin Tin
Cupcake Liners
Skewers
Piping Bag and Tips
Whisk
Rubber Spatula
Cooling Rack
Easy Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix – any standard chocolate cake mix works great.
- 3 large eggs – adds richness and structure to the cupcakes.
- 1 cup milk – provides moisture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil – gives a tender texture.
- 2 heaping tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt – boosts moistness and adds a subtle tang.
- 20 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups plus extra for garnish – the centerpiece of these cupcakes!
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter room temperature – the base of a creamy frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter – the star ingredient providing that signature flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sweetens and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk – adjust to reach the desired consistency.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two standard cupcake pans with paper liners. This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes, so having enough pans ready will save time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps. The Greek yogurt adds a slight tanginess and moisture, elevating the texture and taste.
Step 3: Fill and Add Reese’s
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one halfway. Then, place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each cup. No need to press it down; it will sink as the cupcakes bake, creating a delicious center.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cupcakes for about 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the Reese’s) comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. Add milk as needed, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on top of each one. If you want a decorative touch, use a piping bag with a star tip for a swirl effect. Garnish with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps your batter mix more evenly, resulting in a better texture for both cupcakes and frosting.
- Hide the Reese’s Cup: For a surprise filling, you can cover the Reese’s with a small spoonful of batter after placing it in the liner.
- Chill the Frosting: For firmer frosting that’s easier to pipe, let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before applying it to the cupcakes.
- Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes: If you’re making these in advance, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container, then frost them just before serving.