Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Name: Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

I’ve always had a soft spot for cupcakes, but these Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes take the cake! The moment I took a bite, I knew I had created something special. The combination of rich peanut butter and moist vanilla cake creates a dreamy texture that seems to float in your mouth. Elevated with a creamy frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them your go-to treat!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-15T16:10:18.972Z

When experimenting with new flavors, I wanted to elevate my traditional cupcake recipe. After several trials, I found that adding peanut butter not just enriched the flavor but also kept the cupcakes super moist. It was a delight to work with the peanut butter batter, which turned out fluffy and had a wonderful aroma while baking.

I also discovered that letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting is essential to achieve the perfect spread of my creamy peanut butter frosting. This small step made all the difference, ensuring that the frosting didn't melt away and actually added to the overall silky texture!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Incredibly moist and fluffy texture that delights in every bite
A perfect balance of sweet and salty with rich peanut butter flavor
Great for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

When making the Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that light and airy texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality butter and creamy peanut butter. Brands that emphasize 'natural ingredients' often provide better flavor and consistency, leading to richer cupcakes. Additionally, using room temperature eggs allows for better incorporation into the batter, making the final product fluffier and more cohesive.

Don’t skimp on the granulated sugar, as it not only sweetens the cupcakes but also contributes to the moisture retention during baking. For the best results, sift the flour before measuring it out; this allows you to avoid packing it down, which can lead to denser cupcakes. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work surprisingly well in this recipe!

Techniques for Perfect Baking

Baking time is crucial when it comes to cupcakes. Start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re done! If you see wet batter on the toothpick, give them another minute, but be cautious not to over-bake, as this can lead to dry cupcakes. Trust your instincts, and use visual cues—look for a slight golden edge and a springy top.

After removing the cupcakes from the oven, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling them down fully before frosting is critical; this prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help set the frosting more quickly when it’s time to decorate.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to make these delightful cupcakes!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake and frost your Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually alternate mixing in the dry ingredients and the milk into the peanut butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cupcakes

Evenly fill each cupcake liner with the batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together the peanut butter and butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth. Finally, add vanilla extract.

Frost and Enjoy

Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost each one with the peanut butter frosting. Enjoy your Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes!

These cupcakes will surely impress your friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top of the frosted cupcakes for a delightful finish.

Frosting Variations

While the creamy peanut butter frosting is divine on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Consider adding a touch of chocolate by mixing in some cocoa powder for a chocolate-peanut butter combination or folding in a few crushed candy bars for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. This versatility allows you to experiment with flavors, keeping your cupcakes exciting with every batch.

If you're looking for a lighter option, try whipping in some heavy cream into your frosting. This will create a fluffier, mousse-like texture that complements the rich cupcakes beautifully. Just remember to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly for sweetness and stability.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Fluffiest Peanut Butter Cupcakes can be made ahead of time, making them great for events and gatherings. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place baked and cooled cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and they can last for up to three months!

When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the cupcakes at room temperature for a couple of hours before frosting. If you’ve made the frosting ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a quick mix before spreading it on your cupcakes to restore its creamy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may change the texture slightly. Make sure it's well-stirred and creamy.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just ensure they are well-wrapped. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

→ What can I substitute the eggs with?

You can use applesauce or flaxseed meal as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.