Description
These soft and moist cupcakes feature a gooey center and a peanut butter frosting that perfectly captures the nostalgic taste of recess snacks. Topped with a maraschino cherry, they are an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Peanut Butter Frosting
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Topping
- 12 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to combine fully.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing, just until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable, pipeable consistency.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe the peanut butter frosting on top of each cupcake. Finish by placing one maraschino cherry on each frosted cupcake for a classic touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft, fluffy cupcake texture.
- If desired, substitute whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option, adjusting frosting consistency accordingly.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake cupcakes by a minute, monitoring closely.
