Chocolate Cupcakes with Whipped Peanut Butter Frosting
You guys probably already know about my love of cupcakes. I’ve been baking cupcakes like crazy the past few weeks, and it’s been so much fun. There are few things I love more than baking for others, and cupcakes are my favorite thing to bake. I get into a rhythm and can have them done in practically no time. They feel comfortable, like I could make them with one hand tied behind my back (or, you know, holding a toddler, which I frequently do while baking). There’s something so rewarding about pulling a pan of perfectly baked cupcakes out of the oven, and the smell that lingers in my kitchen is definitely a plus.
This is the sixth chocolate cupcake recipe on this site, and I think it’s my favorite. I’ve made plenty more that never made it on here because they were too dry or not flavorful enough. In terms of chocolate cupcake recipes, this could be “the one.” Don’t get me wrong. All the ones I’ve posted are ones that I loved. This one just bakes up so, so beautifully – fluffy with a slightly rounded top. This recipe gives me chocolate cupcake perfection every.single.time. And I like things that are dependable. Don’t you?
I made these cupcakes for Eric’s birthday and again for a surprise engagement party for our friends Dan and Rebecca. They were well received both times, which is really no surprise considering chocolate and peanut butter is one of the best flavor combinations ever. This frosting is out of this world. It’s like peanut butter mousse, and I actually want to eat all of it instead of scraping most of it off my cupcake (I usually prefer a smaller frosting to cupcake ratio). It’s so smooth and fluffy and light and goes wonderfully with chocolate cupcakes. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.
- COOK TIME:
- YIELD: about 24 cupcakes
For the cupcakes:
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon hot water
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 sticks plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
1⅔ cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup sour cream
For the frosting:
¾ cup heavy cream, chilled
3¼ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, divided
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of coarse salt
Melted dark chocolate for drizzling, optional
- 1
Heat oven to 350º. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine the cocoa powder and water in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- 2
Combine the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture is cool. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla and cocoa powder and continue mixing until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 3
With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition until just incorporated, then scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- 4
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Combine the heavy cream and ¼ cup of the confectioners’ sugar in the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, taking care not to over mix. Transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl.
- 5
In the now empty mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and peanut butter. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 45 seconds. Reduce speed and slowly add the remaining confectioners’ sugar to the bowl and mix in, gradually increasing the speed. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and continue beating on high speed until very fluffy, about 4-5 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- 6
Use a large spatula to gently fold about a third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter frosting to lighten it. Once incorporated, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain.
Frost the cupcakes as desired and drizzle with melted chocolate.
This is definitely bookmarked for future reference. Whipped peanut butter frosting? Amazing.
This is definitely bookmarked for future reference. Whipped peanut butter frosting? Amazing.
That frosting is lovely!!
That frosting is lovely!!
I love a good chocolate recipe so I have to try your favorite!! And that frosting??? It looks amazing!!
I love a good chocolate recipe so I have to try your favorite!! And that frosting??? It looks amazing!!
Cupcakes are my favorite thing to bake also! I think the cake:frosting ratio is just ideal and there are so many flavor combo options!! Chocolate and peanut butter has and will always be my favorite though. That PB frosting sounds to die for!
Cupcakes are my favorite thing to bake also! I think the cake:frosting ratio is just ideal and there are so many flavor combo options!! Chocolate and peanut butter has and will always be my favorite though. That PB frosting sounds to die for!
Further proof that you can never, ever go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter!
Further proof that you can never, ever go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter!
I made these for my son’s birthday today and they are amazing! I used Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream because that’s what I had on hand, and they are still amazing. I also decorated with Halloween themed sprinkles and they looked absolutely adorable. I wish I could post a picture. Thank you!
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