Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cupcakes: 1 Amazing Surprise

There’s something magical about a hidden surprise, isn’t there? It’s that little moment of pure delight when you bite into something familiar and discover an unexpected treasure. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cupcakes – Surprise Center. I’m Alexander, and for me, baking has always been about creating those moments of joy, just like my uncle did in his Texas restaurant. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special. These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re little parcels of happiness, perfect for making any occasion feel like a celebration. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

These little gems are an absolute winner for so many reasons!

• The Big Surprise: Everyone loves a secret! Biting into these cupcakes reveals a whole peanut butter cup. It’s pure magic.
• Super Easy to Make: We’re using a cake mix, so it’s incredibly simple. You get amazing results with minimal fuss.
• Crowd Pleaser: Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combo. It’s a flavor everyone adores.
• Perfect for Any Party: Birthdays, holidays, or just because. These cupcakes make any event feel extra special.

You’ll be so proud of these delightful stuffed cupcakes.

Imagine this: someone takes a bite of a delicious chocolate cupcake. Suddenly, they hit something amazing – a whole, gooey peanut butter cup! That moment of discovery is priceless. It’s the ultimate ‘wow’ factor for your baked goods. These surprise center cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Let’s get our kitchen ready for some serious fun! To make these amazing peanut butter cup stuffed cupcakes, you’ll need just a few key things. First up, grab a box of your favorite chocolate cake mix – I usually go for a 15.25 oz box. Then, gather the ingredients the box calls for, typically 12 large eggs, about 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 cup of water. Of course, the stars of the show are 12 unwrapped standard-sized peanut butter cups. For that dreamy frosting, you’ll need 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter (that’s half a stick), and 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. A little splash of 2 tablespoons of whole milk, or as needed, will get the frosting just right. And don’t forget 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and flavor.

When you’re prepping your ingredients, make sure that butter is nice and soft! It makes a world of difference for a creamy frosting. If you don’t have whole milk, any milk will work, or even a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. For a different twist, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a little texture in your frosting. If you’re out of vegetable oil, canola oil works too. These little adjustments are what make our homemade cupcakes truly ours!

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and bake up some magic! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your muffin tin and line it with 12 cupcake liners – this makes cleanup a breeze. Now, whip up your chocolate cake batter just like the box says. Easy peasy!

1. Start by spooning about a third of the batter into each cupcake liner.
2. Next, take one unwrapped peanut butter cup and gently place it right in the middle of each lined cup.
3. Now, cover those peanut butter cups with more batter. Fill the liners about two-thirds full. Don’t overfill them, or you’ll have a batter overflow situation!
4. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked into the cupcake (avoiding the hidden candy!) comes out clean.
5. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for frosting!
6. While they cool, let’s make that dreamy peanut butter frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Keep beating until it’s super smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. Too thin? A little more powdered sugar will do the trick.
7. Once your cupcakes are totally cool – and I mean cool, not even warm – it’s time to frost them. Pile that delicious peanut butter frosting high!

And there you have it! A batch of incredible surprise center cupcakes, ready to be devoured.

A few little tricks can make your stuffed cupcakes truly spectacular. When filling the liners, remember that two-thirds full is the sweet spot. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without spilling over. For checking doneness, always insert your toothpick into the cake part, not the peanut butter cup! And please, let them cool completely before frosting. Trust me, frosting warm cupcakes leads to a melty mess. A little patience now means a perfect treat later!

Want to make these even more *you*? Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to your cake batter before filling the cups. You could even swap the peanut butter cups for other favorite candies! Think caramels or even a small truffle. For the frosting, a swirl of melted chocolate or a pinch of sea salt can add an extra layer of deliciousness. These small changes make your homemade cupcakes uniquely yours!

These delightful peanut butter cup stuffed cupcakes are perfect for any gathering. Serve them at birthday parties, potlucks, or even just for a special family dessert. They look amazing piled high on a cake stand! The joy on someone’s face when they discover the surprise inside is truly priceless. Enjoy every bite of this chocolatey, peanut butter goodness!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your surprise center cupcakes in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain the frosting’s texture. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving again. This keeps them fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Got questions about these fun stuffed cupcakes? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! While chocolate is classic with peanut butter, feel free to try a vanilla, yellow, or even a red velvet cake mix. The surprise inside will still be a delightful discovery. For more cake inspiration, check out our Red Velvet Cupcakes or Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake.

How do I prevent the peanut butter cup from melting too much? The key is to use room-temperature peanut butter cups and not to overbake the cupcakes. Also, ensure your batter covers the cup well. This stuffed cupcakes recipe aims for a gooey center, not a melted puddle! For more baking tips, you might find our guide on ultimate chocolate chip cookies helpful.

Can these be made gluten-free or vegan? Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe. Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and follow its instructions. For vegan versions, opt for a vegan cake mix, use a plant-based milk and butter for the frosting, and ensure your peanut butter cups are dairy-free. You can find vegan recipes like our Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh? These homemade cupcakes are best enjoyed within 3 days. Store them in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good idea to keep the frosting firm.

While exact nutritional values can vary based on your specific ingredients, one of these delightful surprise center cupcakes typically offers:

• Calories: Around 350-400
• Fat: Roughly 20-25g
• Protein: About 4-6g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g

Remember, these are just estimates! Enjoy your delicious homemade treats. For other sweet treats, consider our No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Cups or Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.

Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cupcakes: 1 Amazing Surprise

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• Author: Alexander Knight
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Create cupcakes with a delightful peanut butter cup hidden inside for a sweet surprise. These cupcakes are perfect for parties or any occasion where you want to impress.

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Ingredients

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• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients called for on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
• 12 peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the cake mix box directions.
3. Fill each cupcake liner about one-third full with batter.
4. Place one unwrapped peanut butter cup into the center of each filled cupcake liner.
5. Spoon more batter over the peanut butter cups, filling the liners about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cupcakes cool, prepare the peanut butter frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.
10. Serve and enjoy the surprise inside!

Notes

• Make sure your butter is soft enough for easy creaming.
• Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to reach your desired consistency.
• For an extra peanut butter kick, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the cake batter.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 (will vary based on ingredients)
• Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
• Sodium: Approximately 200-300mg
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12-15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Protein: Approximately 4-6g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 30-40mg