Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

This recipe proves that it’s always a good idea to take an all-star candy bar and meld it into a delicious dessert. These Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes are stunning and decadent. The nutty chocolates are nestled in the center of the cupcakes and generously sprinkled on top. They’re balanced with hints of sweet and salty flavors and an exciting treat that your guests will look forward to savoring.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake Ingredients

• Boxed cake mix: We rely on chocolate cake mix to reduce the prep time needed to make these cupcakes.
• Peanut butter: We add a scoop of peanut butter into the cake batter to infuse nutty flavors.
• Eggs: The eggs in this recipe are responsible for helping the cupcakes rise and maintain an airy texture.
• Peanut butter cups: We stuff peanut butter cups into the center of these cupcakes and sprinkle them on top.
• Frosting: We melt semi-sweet chocolate and combine it with heavy whipping cream and peanut butter to create a decadent frosting.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the cake mix with water, peanut butter, oil and eggs. Then, beat the batter at low speed for 30 seconds. Next, beat at medium speed for two minutes or until smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the cupcakes

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Fill a muffin pan with paper liners. Next, fill the cupcake cups half full with batter. Place a peanut butter cup in the center of each cupcake cup. Cover each cup with 1 tablespoonful of batter. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Frost the cupcakes

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Place the chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter. Cool the frosting and stir it occasionally until it gets to room temperature, or until the mixture reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.

Spread the frosting over the cupcakes, then quickly sprinkle them with additional chopped peanut butter cups. Let the cupcakes stand until set.

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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Variations

• Try a different cake flavor: Get creative with the boxed cake mix you use. This recipe would taste delicious with vanilla or German chocolate.
• Fill it with caramel: Instead of a Reese’s cup, stuff a soft caramel into the center of the cupcakes for a melty, buttery and sweet pop of flavor.
• Add sprinkles: If you’re baking these cupcakes for a special celebration, top them off with sprinkles or edible glitter.

How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

If you have leftover cupcakes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for three to seven days.

Can you make these cupcakes ahead of time?

These Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes are ideal for making ahead of time for special occasions. First, follow the recipe and store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they will last for three to seven days. Let them come to room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze these Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes?

Yes! You can freeze them for later. First, store them in an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. They can last for to two to three months in the freezer. Take them out and let them come to room temperature when you’re ready to eat them.

How long do Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes last?

You can store these cupcakes with cupcakes with reese’s peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge for three to seven days or freeze them for up to two to three months.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Tips

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Can I make a vegan version of these cupcakes with reese’s peanut butter cups?

Consider these simple modifications to create a vegan version of Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes. Begin with a plant-based cake mix and replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. Next, opt for vegan peanut butter cups, substitute heavy cream with cream of coconut and use dairy-free chocolate.

Can I make a gluten-free version of these cupcakes?

If you need a gluten-free recipe, try purchasing a gluten-free boxed cake mix for this recipe. The texture and flavor may vary from the original but will still taste delicious.

How do I know when these Reese’s peanut butter cup cupcakes are finished baking?

To determine if your cupcakes are done, monitor changes in their appearance. The cupcakes should rise and form a dome-like shape with the tops turning golden brown. You can also use the toothpick method to check for doneness; insert a toothpick into the cupcakes and if it comes out clean (without any batter sticking to it) the cupcakes are ready to cool.