Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe – Moist, Rich, and Easy to Make

Introduction

Biting into a moist chocolate cupcake filled with creamy peanut butter and topped with a swirl of rich frosting is more than just dessert—it’s a moment of pure indulgence. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes bring together two of the most beloved flavors in the dessert world: chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home, these cupcakes are the kind of treat that gets people talking and asking for seconds.

What makes this dessert stand out is its simplicity combined with that irresistible flavor punch. You get all the decadence of a bakery-style treat, without needing professional baking skills. Each cupcake is packed with rich cocoa flavor, and the center hides a delightful peanut butter surprise. The frosting on top, whether you choose chocolate, peanut butter, or a swirl of both, ties everything together into a cupcake that feels both nostalgic and gourmet.

Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes at home lets you control the ingredients and customize each bite to your liking. You can make them extra sweet, go lighter on the sugar, or even experiment with different toppings and fillings. If you’re a fan of Reese’s cups, this recipe will hit every craving note just right.

Let’s dive into what you need to get started.

Ingredients Needed

Before starting, gather all your ingredients so your baking process flows smoothly. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need, along with the calorie content per serving for each:

Ingredient	Amount	Calories (Approx)
All-purpose flour	1 cup	455
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup	100
Granulated sugar	1 cup	775
Baking powder	1½ tsp	5
Baking soda	½ tsp	0
Salt	½ tsp	0
Eggs	2 large	140
Whole milk	½ cup	75
Vegetable oil	½ cup	960
Vanilla extract	2 tsp	24
Boiling water	½ cup	0
Creamy peanut butter (filling)	½ cup	760
Reese’s Miniatures (center or topping)	12 pieces	520
Butter (for frosting)	1 cup	1628
Powdered sugar (for frosting)	2 cups	960
Heavy cream	2 tbsp	104
Additional peanut butter (frosting)	½ cup	760

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on brand or product.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare your pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.

2. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Add wet ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth. Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin but that’s exactly what you want for a moist cupcake.

4. Fill cupcake liners
Spoon batter into the liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

5. Add peanut butter center
Drop a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each cupcake. It will sink slightly as it bakes, creating a gooey middle.

6. Bake
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted around the edge (not the center) comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Prepare the frosting
Beat the butter and peanut butter together until fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add heavy cream to adjust consistency. For a richer taste, chill the frosting before piping.For more delicious ideas, don’t miss Biscoff Cake which pairs perfectly with this recipe.

8. Decorate
Once cupcakes are cool, frost generously using a piping bag or a knife. Top with chopped or whole Reese’s Miniatures for extra crunch and flair.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Customizing your cupcakes allows you to tailor them to different occasions or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Make them gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add a swirl of chocolate ganache on top for an extra layer of richness.
• Try crunchy peanut butter in the filling if you enjoy texture.
• Make mini cupcakes for parties or events—just reduce the bake time.
• Use dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.
• Stuff the center with a mini Reese’s Cup instead of plain peanut butter for a double surprise.
• Make them vegan by using plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter substitutes.

Nutritional Information

Each standard cupcake contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative pairings:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top
• Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot espresso
• Add crushed pretzels on top for a salty crunch
• Serve at parties with themed cupcake toppers for extra flair

If you’re hosting a birthday or a holiday gathering, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, they freeze well. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight and frost when ready to serve.

Can I use a cake mix?
Absolutely. Use a chocolate cake mix and follow the box instructions, then add your peanut butter center and homemade frosting for a semi-homemade version.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five.

Can I make these nut-free?
Since peanut butter is a core ingredient, it’s tricky. You can try using sunflower seed butter, but flavor and texture will differ.

What frosting works best?
Peanut butter buttercream is classic, but chocolate or even cream cheese frosting also complements the flavors beautifully.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love the surprise center and the sweet, familiar flavor of Reese’s.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the kind of dessert that wins hearts fast. They combine rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter into a treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Experiment with toppings, change up the filling, or go classic—either way, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.