Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes: Childhood Nostalgia

Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Serves: Makes 12 cupcakes

Introduction:

Relive the nostalgic flavors of childhood with Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes. These delightful treats capture the essence of everyone’s favorite sandwich in a convenient cupcake form. With a moist peanut butter cake base and a sweet jelly filling, topped with creamy peanut butter frosting, these cupcakes are sure to evoke fond memories and bring joy to all who indulge.

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup milk

For the jelly filling:

• 1/2 cup your favorite fruit jelly or jam

For the peanut butter frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Mix in the creamy peanut butter until well combined.
6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Jelly Filling:

1. Prepare Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or apple corer to create a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill with Jelly: Spoon a small amount of jelly or jam into each hole, filling it to the top.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. Whip Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
2. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and well combined.
3. Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
4. Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting onto the filled cupcakes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cupcakes:

• Be sure to fill the cupcake liners only about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
• Use smooth, creamy peanut butter for both the cake batter and the frosting for a consistent texture and flavor.
• Feel free to use any flavor of jelly or jam that you prefer for the filling.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serve these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible combination of peanut butter, jelly, and fluffy cake, these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are a delightful nod to childhood nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet treat at parties, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. So, embrace the whimsy of childhood and indulge in the comforting flavors of peanut butter and jelly with these delectable cupcakes.