This past weekend, we had our Central Florida Food Blogger Bake Sale as part of the National Food Blogger Bake Sale to benefit Share Our Strength. I'm pleased to announced that we raised over $1300!!! Considering our goal was to surpass last year's fundraising here in Central Florida and make it to $500, I call it a resounding success! Thank you to everyone who came out and bought our baked goods and bought raffle tickets.
And a huge thank you to these food bloggers who baked and helped out so much! Aggie from Aggie's Kitchen, Pearleen from MegaYummo!, Katie from Katie's Cucina, Jaclyn from food + words, Jim from Comfort in Crumbs, Dawn from Wicked Good Dinner, Suzanne from My Adventures in Food, Robin from Simply Southern Baking, Wanda from My Sweet Zepol, and Holly from I Could Eat and Zeema from Sweet ‘Scapes Catering. And thank you to Gaby from What's Gaby Cooking, the founder of the National Food Blogger Bake Sale, we raised over $24,500 nationally. If you came out to support the bake sales across the country, thank you so much! We are one step closer to getting rid of childhood hunger.
A little bit of the bake sale. That's Aggie's kids, aren't they cute? And there's a group picture we took as we were breaking down, I wish we got one with everyone!
I wanted to share with you the recipe for the cupcakes I made for the bake sale and then proceeded to make for the NASA Tweetup I attended for the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour. These cupcakes are to die for and when I first saw them on My Baking Addiction, I pinned it and knew I had to try them one day. When the bake sale came up, I knew this cupcake would be the perfect thing to make for it. Um, there are no words, first of all, Jamie is a genius and these cupcakes are officially my new favorite cupcake. I'm going be making them ALL the time!
The cupcake has the perfect moistness and icing is amazing. And you can't go wrong with a peanut butter cup inside. The recipe is incredibly easy to make and I'm so happy that Jamie said it was okay for me to share the recipe on my blog! I only modified it slightly and that's because I didn't read her recipe close enough when I asked my husband to pick up some of the ingredients for me. I had him buy the smaller boxes of instant pudding and it worked out just fine.
I knew I was going to love this recipe when I saw the batter was pudding-like. I really think the sour cream and pudding mix really make for a moist cupcake.
Once you fill the cupcake liners up with 3 Tbsp of batter, you place frozen miniature peanut butter cups on top and every so slightly push them down.
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 18.25 oz package devil’s food cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
- 1 3.4 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon instant espresso granules, dissolve it in 1/2 cup warm water
- 30 Reese’s Miniatures peanut butter cups, unwrapped and frozen
Peanut Butter Buttercream Icing
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 lbs powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons low-fat milk
- Reese's peanut butter cups minis, in a bag & they come unwrapped
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Be sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in your cupcake or muffin pan.
- In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or your stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment, mix together all of your ingredients except the peanut butter cups for minute or two until well mixed.
- Place 3 Tbsp of cake batter in each cupcake liner. Take one frozen peanut butter cup and place in the center of each cupcake on top of the batter, press down a little bit.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until several cupcakes pricked with a toothpick come out clean. Do not prick the cupcake where the peanut butter cup is inserted. There will be a slight indentation or hole where the cupcake is sunken in from the peanut butter cup, you'll fill that with icing. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove cupcakes from the pans and place them on a cooling rack & let them cool all the way. While the cupcakes are baking you can make the buttercream icing.
Peanut Butter Buttercream
- In your stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment, mix thoroughly the softened butter and peanut butter on low to medium speed. Turn off your mixer and in two batches, add the powdered sugar and mixing until well blended. Be careful, the powered sugar can go everywhere!
- Add vanilla and 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk a little bit at a time while blending on low speed. Blend until well combined. You'll start to see the icing pull from the sides of the bowl. Add a little bit more milk to get to the right thinness (to your preference). Keep blending, higher the speed, until nice and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Using a big round tip and decorator bag, pipe icing onto cooled cupcakes and top with a mini on each cupcake.
Some notes:
- I used a smaller box of instant pudding because that's what I told my husband but it worked out just fine.
- I don't like tons of icing on my cupcakes so one batch of peanut butter icing actually worked for 2 batches of cupcakes for me.
- I used a Tbsp measuring spoon, I really need to get a cookie scoop or a ice cream scoop that measures out to 3 Tbsp.
- I actually ended up with 30 cupcakes in the batch...so even more to share or to keep for yourself! I don't like putting 3 cupcake pans in the oven so I'll usually fill up two of them (24 cupcakes), bake them and then fill one with the remaining 6 cupcakes.
- I prefer to make buttercream icing in a stand mixer but you can make it with a hand mixer in a large bowl, it may take a little longer to make but it's worth it!
- I actually left the cupcakes on a cooling rack covered with a kitchen towel and placed the icing in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to frost your cupcakes, allow to the icing to sit on the counter for at least 20 to 30 minutes. I even added splashes of water to it to make it even more fluffy before piping the icing onto the cupcakes.
Rebecca Bibbee says
Made them for a yard sale, needless to say that’s what really made our sale pop, there was hardly nothing left, and the cupcakes made the most money.
Making again
Lisa says
Question: I know you said that you waited to frost the cupcakes until the day after you made them. Do you suppose I could frost the same day the cupcakes are made and keep them in the fridge with decent results? I need to make these for a work party and won’t have time to frost the cupcakes in the morning before I go to work. Thanks for your help!!
Wendy Levesque says
These are by far THE BEST cupcakes I have ever made. They are so moist and a perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. I will say that I have made them twice already and I actually only made 1/4 of the icing recipe the second time around because the whole recipe was way too much for my liking.
Sweet Revenge says
The cupcakes in the photos look really delicious. I like chocolate and its a great combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
Amy says
I love this batter. It is so versatile. I’ve made the cupcakes and a cake version several times. Tonight I am altering it with snickers instead of pb cups. I will then add a caramel buttercream to the top. Thanks so much for sharing.
Tara says
this recipe sounds amazing! i’m definitely going to try to make these; however, i’m not a big fan of espresso or coffee flavors. would it dramatically change the taste of the cupcake if i leave the espresso out?
thanks again for the amazing recipe!
Julie Deily says
Hi Tara,
Actually in this recipe, you don’t really taste the espresso flavor or at least I don’t. When I add coffee or espresso to chocolate cake recipes, it just heightens the flavor of the chocolate and doesn’t leave a coffee taste. Hope that helps!
Megan says
I made these for a function at work. I used a 1/8 measuring cup and then topped up with a tablespoon measure. I only got 26 out of the batter. I kind of wish I had only made half the icing as I am dong Weight Watchers and it is tough to have all this leftover icing around. I calculated the points and I think I may have to share mine with a friend. They look amazing and I hope everyone likes them. Thanks for the recipe.
Jecca says
I made this recipe this weekend, and it was a huge hit. I made a two tiered cake instead of cupcakes, so I chopped up some Reese’s to put on top, instead of cooking them inside. I also had to use more than a few substitutions (almond milk instead of regular, part olive oil because my canola ran out, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, instant coffee instead of espresso, and also used the small box of pudding) and this recipe still turned out FABULOUS! Everyone raved, and this has inspired me to try the pudding effect on other boxed cakes/flavors. Best. Icing. Ever. I just had a piece for dinner (don’t judge me). Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Chelsea says
These sound great! I am making them today for a group I am involved in with my church. BUT, I dont have sour cream. I could have sworn I had some on hand but turns out that I dont. Is there anything I can substitute?
Julie Deily says
Hi, Chelsea! Looks like when you google it, there are a lot of substitutions for sour cream but I would be wary because you’re baking here, not cooking. What I would do in this situation is just make the cake mix with the instructions on the box and follow through with the rest of the recipe. Hope they enjoy the cupcakes!
ATasteOfMadness says
Now this is what I need. Like, right now. Tonight. It’s never too late in the night to bake 😉
Karin says
These are phenomenal cupcakes and very easy to make!! My favorite recipe I’ve found online!!! I was wondering about freezing or storing them. Any idea on if they can keep ok in the freezer for a week and be thawed? Thank you!
sweetsugarbelle says
WOW!
jen @ one curly fry says
Gorgeous! I love love love peanut butter Buttercream icing. These look amazing.
Tosha says
I’m trying to make these, but can’t seem to find instant espresso. Where did you get yours from?
Julie Deily says
I found it at my grocery store in the coffee section & also at specialty food stores. It’s a small bottle & looks like instant coffee. You can try coffee too if you can’t find it.
Ahley says
These turned out AMAZING!! The cupcake is delicious and the icing is easily the BEST I’ve ever had! It was a huge hit with everyone.. thank you so much!!
Ashley says
How much butter did you use in the icing? A “block” where I live is 2 cups. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks
Julie Deily says
Sorry about that! 1 1/2 cups which is equal to 24 tablespoons. I hope that helps!
Kara says
Are the peanut butter cups inside the same size as the ones on top, or are they a little bigger?
Julie Deily says
Hi Kara, the ones inside the cupcakes are definitely bigger. I have the kinds spelled out in the recipe. The ones inside the cupcakes are called Miniatures, the ones on the frosting are called Minis. Hope that helps!
Thea says
I made these last night and they were absolutely delicious. With your tip about the icing recipe making a lot, I halved it and it covered all 24 cupcakes. Also, I added a little more peanut butter and didn’t use a full pound of powdered sugar. I hate overly sweet icing, but that’s just my personal taste.
Oh and one other thing- when I used 3 Tbsp of batter per cupcake, they ballooned way over the top and ended up looking more like muffins than cupcakes. So I backed it down to 2 Tbsp per cake and that was perfect.
Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Julie Deily says
Hi Thea!
That’s really strange…when I use the 3 Tbsp scoop and put the peanut butter cup inside it, it doesn’t overflow. I’m sorry that happened to you! So glad it was still yummy!
Monica says
Are these darling things cupcakes or mini cupcakes? It is hard to tell from the picture. They are so stinkin’ cute!
Julie Deily says
Hi Monica, thanks! These are regular-sized cupcakes. 🙂
kelly says
hi julie. i selected your cupcakes as part of my 52 weeks of Pinspiration series and shared a link to your recipe on my blog – http://mindingmynest.com/2012/02/52-weeks-of-pinspiration-week-5peanut-butter-cupcakes/. OMG. these are just amazing. the cake is so tender and moist and the pb frosting is delicious!! thanks for the pinspiration! 🙂
JoyHey says
Love love love!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Paula- bell'alimento says
Will you please come and deliver a dozen of those to me now… Swoon
Sara V says
I was wondering if you could make this into a 9×13 cake as well?
Julie Deily says
Hi Sara,
I’ll bet you can. I would put half of the cake batter down and spread it down evenly. Then, place the peanut butter cups in rows on top of the batter and then add the rest of the cake batter on top. If you try it, let me know how it goes! 🙂
daisy says
A reeses pieces INSIDE a cupcake??? With another mini pieces on top!?! Brilliant!
Alaina says
If my oven worked, I would be making these right now. They look divine! Bookmarking this page forever and ever.
-Alaina
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Absolutely adorable! I’m slightly in love with the mini pb cups. Very hard to save some for baking with.
Kita says
These cupcakes look sinful! I would not be able to resist those peanut butter cups in them!
The bake sale looks awesome too! It’s great to see everyone pulling together. $1300 is a great result for all the work you guys put in!
Shaina says
These are so cute, Julie. I love peanut butter and chocolate together, and that buttercream…
Diane {Created by Diane} says
These look fabulous!
Marly says
Those cupcakes look SO good! What a classic combo of flavors!
Roxy says
Yummy. Getting hungry already. Thanks for the recipe.
Hanna W says
Thanks for posting this recipe!! I made these last night for a birthday today and they were a big hit! I love making unique cupcakes/turning already loved items such as Reese’s into cupcake form!
art says
I love peanut butter! this is great recipe, I will try it later. thank you 🙂
Smitha says
These were the best thing ever! A direct quote from my husband: “You could put that frosting on a turd and I might be tempted to eat it!” lol
Julie Deily says
Smitha, this has got to be one of the best comments ever on my blog. Please tell your husband thank you! LOL
Kelly Senyei says
Oh my goodness… I am literally drooling over my keyboard. I must make these NOW! I love that there’s the PB stuffing in the center. Yum!!!
Caroline says
Those are some great looking cupcakes! Peanut butter anything is my favorite. Awesome job on the bake sale!
Nellie says
Loooove how moist these come out! The pudding/sour cream makes a difference. I used the cake recipe for this and did w/out the frosting ( I know, I’m weird, just too sweet for me). Stuck a Rolo candy in it instead of the Reese’s and it came out just as yummy! Will def play around with more ideas.
Sharon says
Congrats that you guys did so well. Those cupcakes look great.
Sam says
They look delicious!
Lisa @ KarmaPerDiem says
Those look DIVINE and of course, I am still jealous of your Kerrygold! Good job!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Lisa! I’m going to be so sad when it ends, for sure!
Gina says
YUM!! Those cupcakes look so good!!
Congrats on raising that money as well 🙂
Aggie says
These cupcakes were outrageous! I only eat chocolate when it’s paired with peanut butter 🙂 These are definitely a favorite!!
Awww, thanks for including the pic of the kids, will have to show them! 🙂
What a successful event! So fun to coordinate with you, we make a great team!! xo
Hisham Soliman says
Chocolate and peanut butter are my two weaknesses and when you put them together…..oh boy watch out!!! The peanut butter cup in the center is genius. These look so moist and delicious, I can’t wait to try these out.
Julie Deily says
We do make a great team, thank you so much for your help, Aggie! Your kids were too cute, I had to include them. So glad you liked these cupcakes. They are definitely my new favorite.
Allison says
Well, crap! I totally forgot about when it was. I am bummed out I missed this! I definitely would have bought one of those peanut butter cupcakes. Oh yes.. (drool). My complete and utter weakness.. right there!
Billie R says
Yum and yum!
Jenn says
Those look amazing!
brandi@BranAppetit says
hello new friend + fellow Kerrygold lover 🙂 I’m so incredibly happy we met and got to hang out this weekend!
these cupcakes look incredible. do you deliver? 🙂
Julie Deily says
It was so great to meet you! I hope we get to meet again this year!
marla says
These little cupcakes look wonderful! My kids would love ’em 🙂
Jenn (Cookies Cupcakes Cardio) says
YUM! Not only is peanut butter and chocolate my favourite combo ever, but pudding in the mix as well?!?!?!? I can’t wait to try these out for myself.
Julie Deily says
It seriously makes the cupcakes very moist. I hope you do try them and enjoy!
Delishhh says
What an amazing event! Nice work!
Julie Deily says
Thank you! I had a lot of fun!
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
And now I’ve pinned it too because these look incredible.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Amy!
blueviolet says
Those are just beautiful!
Kasey@AllThingsMamma says
What a great event and these cupcakes look so delicious! I made some from scratch….but I am going to have to try the doctored up cake mixes. I’m sure that they stay moist longer and have great flavor as well! Thanks for the recipe!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Holy heavens those look soooo yummy!!!!!
Penelope says
These look incredible!
Brandi says
Hi Julie! It was so nice to meet you today! Thank you so much for all of the great info you shared. Your cupcakes look delicious. Chocolate and peanut butter are my favorite! I made something similar a few weeks ago, but I used a cream cheese based frosting and I didn’t love the results. I will definitely hold onto your recipe for next time! Take care! And again it was so nice to meet you! : )
Julie Deily says
Hi Brandi!
Goodness just realized I never replied. It was so nice to meet you too, what a fun shopping experience, huh? 🙂 You’ll love this frosting if you love peanut butter. I have my co-workers addicted to this cupcake & frosting now. Let’s keep in touch!
Kathryn Rezza says
These certanly look “To Die For”. It has all my favs chocolate, peanut butter and reeses
YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Kathryn…they definitely are!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
These cupcakes look delicious! I would buy a dozen if I saw them at a bake sale:-)
Laura @ GotChocolate says
Those are absolutely gorgeous and look soooo delicious, Julie!!!!!!
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
Yummy! It just doesn’t get any better than peanut butter and chocolate
Courtney says
Wow, you guys did amazing! These cupcakes look delicious 🙂
Robin says
I bought one of these cupcakes, and I can testify that they are, in fact, amazing! Couldn’t believe they were made with cake mix…so very, very moist!
LeeAnn says
OMG those sound delicious!!! I wish I could have made it to the bake sale, especially now that I know you had those there. Yum!!!
Julie Deily says
I wish you had come too! Maybe next year. Maybe I’ll see you at the Central Florida Blogger Conference in July?
amy (fearless homemaker) says
oooh, i’ve made chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting before, but never with a pb cup inside – what a cute idea! it also makes for a lovely presentation with the pb cup as a garnish on the frosting. i’m definitely going to try this next time i make my version! =)
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
they look wonderful! I have made PB Cup brownie/cupcakes before and they’re awesome. I participated in the San Diego area branch of Gaby’s sale and we raised almost 2 grand. It was so awesome and such a great event! Glad you all had a great event too 🙂
Julie Deily says
Averie, that is so cool! Gaby is so awesome for organizing the Food Blogger Bake Sale!
Q says
Omg, my mouth is watering! Now I’ll have to hunt for Reese’s minis over here in Germany…can find the cake mix and instant pudding from an online importer, but the Reese’s minis may be tough to find. Might have to modify using regular Reese’s pb cups.
Julie Deily says
You can put chopped up Reese’s pb cups on top of the cupcake. Hope you can find minis for the inside of the cupcake!
Shelley says
As someone who was lucky enough to get one of these at #nasatweetup, I’d say they are amazing chocolate pb goodness…especially at 6AM 🙂
Katie says
those look AMAZING!
Nisrine M. says
Super cute and absolutely perfect. You have no idea how crazy my daughter would go for these!