Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cupcakes

By Addie

Cupcakes aren’t just for girls! My dad and brothers love peanut butter cups—the inspiration for these goodies. —Alisa Christensen, Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Ingredients

• FROSTING:
• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• ......................................
• 1 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, peanut butter, eggs, water and oil; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.


Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.



Place chocolate chips in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature. Add butter and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 2 dozen.

Editor's Note: Reduced-fat peanut butter is not recommended for this recipe.
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REVIEWS:

Very easy to make and SO delicious, light, fluffy...everybody loves them!

I tried this recipe, and I thought the cupcakes were wonderful. The peanut butter flavor is light--not heavy like other recipes. They baked up light and fluffy. I baked them for 20 minutes. I used my own chocolate frosting recipe because I wanted to be able to freeze leftovers.. This recipe is definitely a keeper. I will make this recipe again. They freeze well also.

Delicious and easy peasy!! A definite "keeper".

I made the frosting only. It was fabulous! I made mini white cupcakes and frosted them with this recipe and topped them off with a raspberry! I took them to a ladies coffee and dessert night at church. They were so cute and yummy! I know I'll use this frosting recipe again and again. Thanks! Just a tip: The frosting doesn't stay well in heat as it melts easily. Try another recipe for a summer picnic :)

Made these for my daughter's birthday party and her guests loved them! I, too, liked the peanut butter and chocolate combination (think Reese's peanut butter cups!)...and the peanut butter is subtle, not overpowering. This recipe is getting filed in my recipe box!

These cupcakes were delicious, with an added feature of being SO easy. The cupcakes had a wonderful, moist texture, with the perfect amount of peanut butter taste; not overwhelming. The chocolate frosting is also easy to prepare, and delicious! Will make these again and again; a big hit with my family!