Introduction
Peanut butter and jelly is a classic combination that evokes childhood memories of simple pleasures. When transformed into cupcakes, this nostalgic duo becomes a delightful treat for all ages. These cupcakes not only bring the beloved flavors of this iconic pairing but also offer the joy of baking in your own kitchen.
Moist and fluffy, each cupcake is filled with a luscious raspberry or grape jelly center and topped with smooth peanut butter frosting. Perfect for birthday parties, casual gatherings, or an afternoon treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Let's dive into the ingredients and get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
This provides the structure necessary for the cupcakes. The right amount of flour yields a light and fluffy texture, ensuring that the cupcake holds its shape without being dense. - 1 teaspoon baking powder
Acting as a leavening agent, baking powder helps the cupcakes rise beautifully. It creates air pockets as the batter bakes, contributing to a soft and airy cupcake. - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
This ingredient works alongside baking powder to create a light texture. It also adds a bit of flavor complexity as it interacts with the acidity of other ingredients. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of the cupcakes. It also balances the flavors, ensuring that the peanut butter and jelly profile shines through. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter not only adds richness but also helps to create a tender crumb. The creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cupcake's rise. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Sugar contributes sweetness and aids in moisture retention. It also promotes browning during baking, leading to a visually appealing golden top. - 2 large eggs
Eggs add moisture and richness, binding the ingredients together. They also provide stability to the batter, ensuring a good rise. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the flavor profile, adding a warm, sweet aroma that complements the peanut butter and jelly. - 1/2 cup milk
Milk adds moisture to the batter, creating a soft and fluffy cupcake. It also helps to dissolve the sugar and other dry ingredients for a smoother texture. - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Peanut butter incorporates a rich, nutty flavor while contributing to the moistness of the cupcakes. It's the star ingredient that brings the essence of peanut butter and jelly treats. - 1/2 cup jelly (raspberry or grape)
The jelly serves as a surprise filling, providing a burst of fruity flavor that contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter. It brings moisture and a unique taste experience. - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Powdered sugar creates a smooth frosting texture, making it easy to achieve the desired consistency for the peanut butter frosting. It also adds sweetness. - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
This is essential for creating the peanut butter frosting. It adds creaminess and depth of flavor, making it an irresistible topping. - 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
Heavy cream helps adjust the frosting's thickness, allowing for a smoother spreadability. The creaminess enhances the richness of the icing.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven before baking allows the cupcakes to rise evenly and achieve the desired texture. A hot oven ensures that the batter begins to cook as soon as it is placed in, preventing dryness.
Step 2: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Using liners not only makes the cupcakes easier to remove after baking but also helps in keeping them moist. Choose colorful liners to add a fun visual element.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisking the dry ingredients together ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step is crucial for consistent texture and rise in your cupcakes.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Creaming incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which helps the cupcakes rise as they bake. Aim for a pale, fluffy mixture before adding the eggs.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Adding eggs gradually allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, marrying beautifully with the peanut butter.
Step 6: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
This method prevents overmixing, which can create a dense cupcake. Alternating ensures that everything is nicely combined without losing the airiness you've created.
Step 7: Fold in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
Gently folding in the peanut butter ensures it blends well without deflating the batter. The peanut butter adds both flavor and moisture, contributing to the cupcake's deliciousness.
Step 8: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
Filling the liners two-thirds full leaves room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing. This is the perfect amount to achieve a nice dome shape.
Step 9: Use a small spoon to create a well in the center of each cupcake and fill it with jelly.
Creating a well allows the jelly to sit nestled within the cupcake, ensuring each bite contains a delightful burst of flavor. Be careful not to overfill, as it could seep out during baking.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact size of the cupcakes. Start checking at the lower end to avoid overbaking, as dry cupcakes can be disappointing.
Step 11: Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
This cooling period helps set the cupcakes and makes them easier to handle. Moving them too soon can cause them to break apart.
Step 12: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting by creaming together the peanut butter and powdered sugar, adding heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
The right consistency in frosting is crucial; it should be smooth enough to spread but not too thin. Adjust with heavy cream based on your texture preference.
Step 13: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.
Frosting cold cupcakes prevents melting and helps the frosting maintain its shape. A generous swirl of frosting makes each cupcake visually appealing and tasty.
Step 14: Optional: drizzle additional jelly over the frosted cupcakes for extra decoration.
Adding a drizzle of jelly on top enhances the visual appeal and echoes the flavors within the cupcake. It's a simple way to make your treats even more enticing.
Step 15: Serve and enjoy these delightful peanut butter and jelly cupcakes!
Savor the moment as you enjoy these nostalgic treats. They're perfect for sharing, but don't hesitate to keep a few for yourself—they're hard to resist!
A Flavorful Filling Surprise
What makes these cupcakes truly special is the sweet surprise hidden inside. The jelly filling, whether raspberry or grape, offers a burst of tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the rich peanut butter. Each bite brings a delightful mix of textures as you encounter the soft cupcake exterior and the gooey, fruity center, making for a nostalgic experience reminiscent of childhood sandwiches.
Frosting That Steals the Show
The peanut butter frosting elevates these cupcakes from delicious to extraordinary. It balances the sweetness of the cupcake with creamy, nutty goodness. With just the right amount of sweetness and a silky texture, this frosting complements the cupcake base without overpowering it. The frosting's subtle richness is something every peanut butter lover will cherish.
Presenting Your Cupcakes with Style
Presentation is key when it comes to serving these delightful treats. Consider placing them on a decorative cake stand or arranging them on a platter with fresh berries for a pop of color. Adding a touch of extra jelly on top creates an eye-catching finish, showcasing the flavors within. Whether it's a celebration or a cozy get-together, how you present these cupcakes can make your baking efforts even more rewarding.
FAQs
What type of jelly works best for filling?
Raspberry and grape are classic choices, but feel free to explore other flavors like strawberry or blackberry!
Can I make the cupcakes without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture for an egg-free version.
Why are my cupcakes too dense?
Dense cupcakes can result from overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour accurately. Ensure you gently combine ingredients and fluff your flour before measuring.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the frosting, enhancing the overall experience.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, gradually add additional heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Why did my jelly leak out during baking?
Jelly leakage may occur if the well you create is too deep or if the cupcakes overflow. Ensure the cupcake liners are only two-thirds full.
How can I adjust this recipe for a smaller batch?
To make a smaller batch, you can halve the quantities of each ingredient, yielding about six cupcakes instead of twelve.
Conclusion
Baking peanut butter and jelly cupcakes can revive the childlike joy of flavors we often take for granted. Each cupcake serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures that food can bring, transforming a classic sandwich into a delightful dessert.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles. The combination of peanut butter, jelly, and cupcakes creates an irresistible trio that you and your loved ones will adore.
Recipe Card
Delight in Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup jelly raspberry or grape
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter for frosting
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
- Fold in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
- Use a small spoon to create a well in the center of each cupcake and fill it with jelly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting by creaming together the peanut butter and powdered sugar, adding heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.
- Optional: drizzle additional jelly over the frosted cupcakes for extra decoration.
- Serve and enjoy these delightful peanut butter and jelly cupcakes!
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
