"Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

By RoketJSquerl

Ingredients

• Peanut Butter Frosting:
• yield: 12-14 CUPCAKES
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1/2 cup (42g) Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder*
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder or instant espresso*
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature*
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature*
• 5 Tablespoons (75g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• optional: crushed Reese's Pieces for topping

Details

Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Preparation

Step 1

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2 liners - this recipe makes about 14 cupcakes. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla together until completely smooth. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then half of the buttermilk. Gently whisk for a few seconds. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thin.
Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill only halfway (this is imperative! only halfway!) to avoid spilling over the sides or sinking. Bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. Add up to 1/4 cup more confectioners' sugar if frosting is too thin or another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick.
Frost cooled cupcakes. I used a Wilton 1M piping tip. Top with crushed Reese's Pieces, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make ahead tip: Prepare cupcakes 1 day in advance. Keep cupcakes covered tightly at room temperature and frost the day of serving. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Recipe Notes:

Interested in mini cupcakes? Fill mini liners only halfway and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (177°C).

*I don't recommend using dutch-process cocoa in this cupcake recipe. If you can't get your hands on Hershey's special dark variety, use regular unsweetened natural cocoa powder.

*The espresso powder/instant espresso doesn't create a coffee flavored cupcake. Rather, it strongly intensifies the chocolate flavor! If you can't find espresso powder, use 1 Tablespoon dark roast instant coffee.

*Why room temperature? All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. Read here for more information. If needed, you can use whole milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice instead of buttermilk. Fill a measuring cup with the lemon juice/vinegar then the rest with whole milk to reach 1/2 cup.