Peanut butter jelly cupcake recipe

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Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcake Recipe: Easy and Delicious

 

Introduction to Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic treat, this peanut butter jelly cupcake recipe is the perfect choice! Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet and fruity flavor of jelly, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a bake sale, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect peanut butter jelly cupcake recipe that is easy to follow and guaranteed to be delicious. For those looking to explore more unique cupcake ideas, consider checking out our Dairy-Free Cupcake Recipe for a delightful alternative.

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcakes

To make the best peanut butter jelly cupcakes, you’ll need a variety of ingredients, both dry and wet. Using the right type of ingredients will ensure the best flavor and texture. Learn more about different types of ingredients that enhance your baking results in our Lemon Cheesecake Recipe with Philadelphia.

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 1 ½ cups cake flour (substitute with all-purpose flour if needed)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • ½ cup unsalted brown butter, room temperature
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (preferably Jif or Skippy)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup whole milk
  • Fillings and Toppings:
    • ½ cup strawberry jelly (or any preferred flavor)
    • ½ cup peanut butter frosting
    • ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
    • Fresh strawberries for garnish

For the frosting, it’s important to use processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy, as natural peanut butter has too much oil, which can affect the texture of the frosting.

Essential Tools for Baking

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools ready:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cupcake liners
  • Muffin pan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bags (optional for decoration)
  • Cupcake corer

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparation

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.

Making the Cupcake Batter

  1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream together the softened brown butter and creamy peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
  2. Incorporate Sugars: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the mixture and cream until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in half the flour mixture, then the milk, and finally the rest of the flour. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense, chewy cupcakes. The batter should be thick but still pourable for the perfect texture.

Filling and Baking

  1. Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner only halfway to ensure a perfect rise and avoid overflow. Overfilling can cause the cupcakes to have crisp, mushroom-like tops or sink in the middle.
  2. Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Filling with Jelly

  1. Core the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
  2. Add Jelly Filling: Fill each cored cupcake with 1-2 teaspoons of strawberry jelly or your preferred jelly flavor.

Frosting and Decoration Ideas

Once your peanut butter jelly cupcakes are baked and filled, it’s time to add the finishing touches!

  • Peanut Butter Frosting:
    • In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature brown butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
    • Add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to thin it out.
    • Beat the frosting on high for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Decorating Tips:
    • Use a piping bag with a large round tip to create big, beautiful frosting swirls. For more decoration inspiration, check out our Best Chocolate Chip Cupcake Recipe for tips on achieving perfect frosting.
    • Garnish with a drizzle of jelly, crushed peanuts, and fresh strawberries for a delightful finish.

Recipe Variations and Add-ons

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations:

  • Flavor Variations:
    • Experiment with different jelly flavors such as raspberry, grape, or blackberry.
    • Add chocolate chips for a chocolate peanut butter twist.
    • Incorporate a swirl of Nutella for an added layer of flavor.
  • Dietary Modifications:
    • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
    • Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for a vegan option.

Tips for Serving and Storing Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcakes

  • Serving Tips:
    • Serve cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
    • Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
    • Refrigerate frosted cupcakes to keep the frosting firm and fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving.
    • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcake Recipes

  • How do you keep jelly from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes?
    Use a cupcake corer to fill the cupcakes after baking, ensuring the jelly stays in the center.
  • Can I use natural peanut butter in the frosting?
    It’s best to use processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy to ensure the frosting is smooth and doesn’t separate.
  • What is the best way to store peanut butter jelly cupcakes?
    Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator.
  • How long do these cupcakes last?
    These cupcakes will last in the fridge for up to 3 days but taste best when served at room temperature.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This peanut butter jelly cupcake recipe is a delicious twist on a classic flavor combination, perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create fluffy, moist cupcakes that will delight your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and decorations to make them your own. If you’re looking for more sweet treats, you might also like our Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake for an easy and delightful dessert option. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!

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