Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly combines softness, sweetness, and a nostalgic twist, you’ve got to try this Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe. These cupcakes are irresistibly tender with a moist, gooey center that surprises you in every bite, while the peanut butter frosting and maraschino cherry topping bring back those recess moments from childhood. It’s comfort food wrapped in a cupcake, guaranteed to bring smiles all around!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the fluffy flour base to the luscious peanut butter frosting, these essentials work together to make magic happen right in your kitchen.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the soft structure of the cupcake without being too dense.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully to that perfect fluffy height.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to a light texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and soft.
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the frosting, delivering that nostalgic, gooey taste.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter frosting perfectly.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting consistency to silky smooth.
• 12 maraschino cherries: The whimsical topping that takes these cupcakes to recess-level fun.

How to Make Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with paper liners to ensure easy cupcake removal and clean-up. This initial prep sets the stage for flawless baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl and beat them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, making your cupcakes wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One by one, crack in the eggs, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the base with warm, comforting aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures even distribution so your cupcakes rise evenly without dense spots.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Gently fold everything together without overmixing to keep the crumb tender and moist.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the luscious batter evenly into your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give the cupcakes plenty of room to rise without spilling over.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The gooey center is subtle, so avoid overbaking. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then gradually add heavy cream until you achieve a perfect spreadable consistency that pipes beautifully on the cupcakes.

Step 9: Frost and Top

Pipe or generously spread the peanut butter frosting over each cooled cupcake. Finish with a bright maraschino cherry on top to evoke those fun recess memories in every bite.

How to Serve Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the classic maraschino cherry, you can sprinkle crushed peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add texture and visual appeal. It’s all about enhancing the peanut butter and sweet flavors without overpowering them.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft cake cupcakes with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit salad for a delightful balance. The creamy or fruity sides complement the rich, gooey center and soften the richness of the peanut butter frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try placing cupcakes inside mini cupcake towers or serve them on colorful plates with napkins reminiscent of your school days. You can also wrap each cupcake in cellophane tied with ribbon and include a small note about how this Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe brings back childhood joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can safely store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration helps keep the peanut butter frosting fresh but allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before enjoying so they remain soft and tender.

Freezing

Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature to recapture that soft, gooey experience.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm the cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This helps revive their softness and gooey center without melting the frosting too much. Serve immediately for best results.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter is key to the nostalgic taste, you can try almond or cashew butter, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just pick a creamy nut butter for the best frosting texture.

What gives the cupcakes their gooey center?

The magic lies in careful baking time. Pulling the cupcakes out when the toothpick still has a few moist crumbs ensures the center stays soft and gooey, rather than fully set like traditional cupcakes.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The steps are straightforward with common ingredients, and the instructions are easy to follow. It’s a fantastic recipe to gain confidence baking soft, tender cupcakes with a delicious twist.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy these cupcakes gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How should I store frosted cupcakes if I’m not eating them right away?

Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the peanut butter frosting fresh. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into these Soft Cake Cupcakes with Gooey Center and Recess Tastes Recipe. They’re more than just a cupcake — they’re a comforting bite of childhood memories mixed with creamy, indulgent flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So, grab your apron and get ready to experience the magic of gooey cupcakes that taste like recess!

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