Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Introduction

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes combine two beloved childhood flavors in a delightful, cake-like treat. These soft, moist cupcakes are infused with creamy peanut butter, topped with a luscious swirl of jelly, and finished with a peanut butter frosting. They capture the nostalgic goodness of a classic PB&J sandwich, but in cupcake form, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or any time you want a sweet, comforting treat. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a fan of fruity flavors, these cupcakes are sure to please everyone.

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Picnics and family gatherings
• Afternoon snack
• Dessert tables
• Peanut butter lovers

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Here’s why Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes will become your new favorite treat:

• Classic Flavor Combination: These cupcakes combine the familiar flavors of peanut butter and jelly, giving you a nostalgic and comforting dessert experience.
• Peanut Butter Goodness: The cupcakes themselves are infused with rich, creamy peanut butter, adding a depth of flavor and moisture.
• Jelly Surprise: Each cupcake is topped with a sweet dollop of jelly, creating the perfect contrast to the savory peanut butter.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The cupcakes are soft, light, and airy, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
• Peanut Butter Frosting: Topped with a creamy, peanut butter frosting, these cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter enthusiasts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite variety)

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Peanut Butter: The star of this recipe, peanut butter adds flavor and moisture to both the cupcakes and frosting.
• Jelly or Jam: Choose your favorite jelly or jam for the topping; the fruity sweetness complements the savory peanut butter perfectly.
• Milk: The milk adds moisture to the cupcake batter, helping to keep the cupcakes soft and light.
• Butter: Melted butter enhances the flavor and texture of the cupcakes, making them rich and fluffy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the peanut butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Add the Melted Butter: Fold in the melted butter, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Scoop the Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Add the Jelly: Spoon a small amount of jelly (about a teaspoon) into the center of each cupcake. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the jelly into the batter slightly.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
10. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the peanut butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cupcakes:

1. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag or a knife to spread the peanut butter frosting on top of each cupcake.
2. Decorate: If desired, add a small spoonful of jelly on top of the frosting for extra flair.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are perfect for various occasions and can be served in multiple ways:

• As a Party Dessert: These cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering, especially for kids and peanut butter lovers.
• With a Glass of Milk: Serve these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack.
• For Special Occasions: Celebrate birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings with these sweet treats.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these cupcakes as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Additional Tips for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfectly:

• Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best in this recipe, as it creates a smooth batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely: Before frosting, make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled to avoid the frosting melting.
• Experiment with Different Jellies: Feel free to experiment with different jelly or jam flavors to customize the cupcakes to your liking.
• Add Extra Jelly to the Frosting: For an even more decadent cupcake, mix a little jelly into the frosting for a fruity twist.

Recipe Variations for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolatey twist on the classic combination.
• Banana Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Mix mashed bananas into the batter for a moist, flavorful addition.
• Strawberry Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Use strawberry jelly or jam for a more classic peanut butter and jelly flavor.
• Peanut Butter Banana Frosting: Add mashed banana to the peanut butter frosting for a creamy, banana-flavored topping.
• Nutella Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Substitute Nutella for the peanut butter for a chocolate-hazelnut version.
• Mini Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Make mini versions of these cupcakes for bite-sized treats at parties.
• Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Use plant-based butter, milk, and egg replacements for a vegan-friendly version.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake Bars: Instead of cupcakes, bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan and cut into bars.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake Pops: Turn the cupcakes into cake pops for a fun party treat.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Use crunchy peanut butter in the batter for added texture.

Freezing and Storage for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

• Freezing: These cupcakes freeze well. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some moisture.

Special Equipment for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the peanut butter and sugar, and make the frosting smooth.
• Cupcake Liners: Use liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the tin and to make them easy to serve.
• Piping Bag: For easy frosting, a piping bag gives you more control and helps create a clean, smooth finish.
• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is ideal for baking the cupcakes.
• Scoop: A cookie or ice cream scoop ensures even portions of batter in each cupcake liner.

Frequently Asked Questions for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the cupcakes, giving them a bit more crunch.
2. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cupcakes.
3. What kind of jelly or jam should I use?
   Any flavor of jelly or jam works, but grape or strawberry is the most classic choice. You can even experiment with other fruity varieties.
4. Can I make the frosting in advance?
   Yes, the frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick mix before using.
5. How do I store leftover cupcakes?
   Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

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Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are a nostalgic and delicious treat that everyone will love. With their soft, peanut butter-infused cake, sweet jelly center, and creamy peanut butter frosting, these cupcakes offer the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or gifting them to friends and family, these cupcakes are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a great choice for everything from bake sales to casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a longtime PB&J fan or just looking for a unique twist on a classic flavor combination, these cupcakes will bring joy in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!