Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe: Rich & Creamy

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel are a masterclass in flavor and texture, combining the comfort of peanut butter and chocolate with the sophistication of salted caramel.

With every bite, the tender cake, creamy peanut butter, and gooey caramel meld together in perfect harmony, making these cupcakes a must-have for any special occasion or indulgent treat.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe: A Quick Overview

Category	Details
Recipe Description	Rich peanut butter chocolate cupcakes with a salted caramel drizzle
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	18-20 minutes
Total Time	40-45 minutes
Type of Dish	Dessert
Cuisine	American
Quantity Produced	12 cupcakes
Number of Calories	350-400 per cupcake

About Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

The moist and fluffy cupcakes are infused with the deep flavor of peanut butter, while the rich chocolate ganache adds a luxurious touch.

But the real showstopper is the salted caramel sauce, which adds a perfect balance of sweet and salty to the mix.

With its smooth, creamy texture and deep caramel flavor, it’s the perfect finishing touch to these already-decadent cupcakes.

Why does the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe Stand Out?

• Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and salted caramel is a match made in heaven, offering a rich, sweet, and salty flavor experience.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture: The cupcakes are incredibly moist and fluffy, thanks to the use of buttermilk and a combination of white and brown sugar.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: The salted caramel sauce adds a deep, velvety texture and a touch of saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the cupcakes.
• Peanut Butter Surprise: The peanut butter surprise in the center of the cupcake adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
• Visually Appealing: The cupcakes are topped with a swirl of chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, making them almost too beautiful to eat.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, or just because.
• Easy to Customize: The recipe can be easily customized with different types of nuts, chocolate chips, or even candy pieces to make it your own.
• Impressive Presentation: The cupcakes make a stunning presentation, perfect for a dessert table or as a gift for friends and family.

What are the ingredients in the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel recipe?

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter

Must-Have Equipment for Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe

• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer is essential for creaming together the butter and sugar, beating in the eggs, and mixing in the flour and other ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary for whisking together the dry ingredients and combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so having measuring cups and spoons on hand is a must.
• Electric Whisk: An electric whisk is helpful for whisking together the eggs and sugar, as well as incorporating air into the batter.
• Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is necessary for scraping the sides of the bowl, folding in ingredients, and smoothing out the batter.
• Muffin Tin: A muffin tin is necessary for baking the cupcakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Cupcake liners make removing the cupcakes from the tin easy and add a decorative touch.
• Piping Bag and Tip: A piping bag and tip are necessary for piping the chocolate ganache and salted caramel sauce onto the cupcakes.
• Saucepan: A saucepan is necessary for making the salted caramel sauce.
• Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is necessary for reaching the correct temperature when making the salted caramel sauce.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is necessary for cooling the cupcakes after they’re baked.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe: step by step guide

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter until creamy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache and Salted Caramel Sauce

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until simmering.
• Remove from heat and add in the chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/4 cup water, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
• Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to reach 350°F (hard-ball stage).
• Remove from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be careful!

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

• Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small round cookie cutter or a knife to create a hole in the center of each cupcake.
• Fill the hole with a small amount of peanut butter.
• Top each cupcake with a dollop of chocolate ganache, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
• Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe

• Cold Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk is the perfect pairing for these rich and creamy cupcakes.
• Fresh Fruit: A simple but delicious pairing, fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries provide a sweet and refreshing contrast to the rich cupcakes.
• Hot Coffee or Espresso: For a more adult pairing, a hot cup of coffee or espresso complements the deep flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate.
• Caramel Macchiato: For a more decadent treat, pair the cupcakes with a caramel macchiato for a match made in heaven.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the cupcakes.
• Caramel Sauce: For a more indulgent treat, drizzle the cupcakes with an extra helping of caramel sauce for a sweet and salty delight.
• Whipped Cream: Top the cupcakes with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the dense cupcakes.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For a romantic twist, pair the cupcakes with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Mastering Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Recipe: Insider Tips and Tricks

• Use high-quality peanut butter: Natural peanut butter with a high oil content will give the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to prevent a dense cupcake.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the butter and sugar cream together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t overbake: Check the cupcakes frequently to prevent overbaking, which can make them dry and dense.
• Use a water bath for the caramel sauce: This helps to prevent the caramel from burning and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
• Let the caramel sauce cool completely: This will help it to set properly and give it a smooth, glossy finish.
• Use a piping bag with a large round tip: This will give you a smooth, rounded swirl of chocolate ganache on top of the cupcakes.
• Chill the cupcakes before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together and the textures to set.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate: Try using different types of chocolate chips or chunks to give the cupcakes a unique flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt: This will add a touch of crunch and a burst of flavor to the cupcakes.
• Make ahead and freeze: These cupcakes freeze beautifully, so make a batch and freeze them for up to 2 months.

What nutritional benefits do the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel Offer?

• Protein-rich peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of protein, which can help to keep you full and satisfied.
• Healthy fats from peanut butter and chocolate: The peanut butter and chocolate in these cupcakes provide healthy fats that can help to keep you full and satisfied.
• Complex carbohydrates from flour and sugar: The flour and sugar in these cupcakes provide complex carbohydrates that can help to sustain energy levels.
• Fiber from peanut butter and chocolate: The peanut butter and chocolate in these cupcakes contain fiber, which can help to promote digestive health.
• Antioxidants from chocolate: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Mood-boosting tryptophan from peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can help to boost mood and reduce stress.
• Energy-boosting B vitamins from peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, which can help to boost energy levels.
• Mineral-rich peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of several minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron, which can help to support overall health.
• Satisfying and filling: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in these cupcakes can help to keep you full and satisfied between meals.

How can you preserve leftovers of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Salted Caramel?

• Room temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cupcakes individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Freeze the caramel sauce: Store the caramel sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Freeze the chocolate ganache: Store the chocolate ganache in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• Use an airtight container: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.
• Keep them away from strong-smelling foods: Store the cupcakes away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily.
• Label and date the containers: Label and date the containers so you can easily keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• Use within a reasonable time frame: Try to consume the cupcakes within a reasonable time frame to ensure they remain fresh and safe to eat.

Conclusion

With these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Caramel, you’ll be treating your taste buds to a truly unforgettable experience.

The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and salty caramel is a match made in heaven, and the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress. So go ahead, indulge in the rich flavors and textures of these decadent treats – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cupcakes. Natural peanut butter can be quite oily, so you may need to adjust the amount of oil in the recipe.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cupcakes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the caramel sauce.

Q: How do I store the leftover cupcakes?
A: Store the leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes in mini form?
A: Yes, you can make mini cupcakes using this recipe. Simply adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. Dark chocolate will give the cupcakes a deeper, richer flavor. Just be aware that it may make the cupcakes slightly more bitter.