Name: Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup milk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; About 1 teaspoon jelly or jam of your choice (strawberry, grape, raspberry, etc.) per cupcake; 1 cup powdered sugar; ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting); 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting, to desired consistency)

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If you’re craving a fun twist on classic flavors, these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are your perfect answer. Combining the nostalgic comfort of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into a moist, fluffy cupcake with a sweet swirl frosting, this treat is a delightful surprise. Each bite bursts with creamy peanut butter, fruity jelly, and a luscious swirl of frosting that brings everything together in a taste memory you’ll want to relive again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Nostalgia: It captures the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a fun, new form everyone recognizes and loves.
Incredible Flavor Balance: The combination of savory peanut butter and sweet jelly creates a harmonious taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Impresses Every Crowd: Whether for kids’ parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these cupcakes are always crowd-pleasers.
Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Customizable: You can easily swap jelly flavors or peanut butter types to match personal preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing their unique role in texture, flavor, or richness to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes. With basic pantry staples and a jar of your favorite jelly, these cupcakes come together beautifully.

All-purpose Flour: Provides structure and lightness to the cupcake base.
Baking Powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise to a fluffy perfection.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a lovely golden crust.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add fluffiness.
Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that infuses nutty, creamy flavor throughout.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist without heaviness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Favorite Jelly or Jam: Provides bursts of fruity sweetness inside every cupcake.
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, to make it perfectly sweet and smooth.
Heavy Cream or Milk (for frosting): Helps reach the ideal swirlable frosting consistency.

Variations for Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Customizing this recipe is fun and easy, allowing you to accommodate dietary needs or simply switch up flavors that suit your tastes. Here are some ideas to make these cupcakes uniquely yours.

Use Different Jellies: Swap strawberry for raspberry, grape, or even marmalade for fresh, interesting flavors.
Try Natural Peanut Butter: For a healthier twist, opt for unsweetened or reduced-fat peanut butter options.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace with a gluten-free flour blend to keep everyone included.
Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if allergies are a concern.
Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the batter for extra indulgence.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes with Sweet Swirl Frosting

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine your dry ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender and airy cupcake texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Peanut Butter

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk into the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make cupcakes dense.

Step 5: Fill and Add Jelly

Spoon batter halfway into each cupcake liner. Add about a teaspoon of your chosen jelly in the center, then cover with more batter until the liners are about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Sweet Swirl Frosting

Beat softened butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add peanut butter and a splash of heavy cream or milk until you reach a swirlable consistency. Pipe or spread generously over cooled cupcakes.

Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy

For an extra touch, add a small dollop of jelly on top of the frosting or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch. Serve and savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overfill Cupcake Liners: Filling about two-thirds full prevents batter from spilling over and helps even baking.
Use a Piping Bag: For frosting, a piping bag ensures that beautiful, classic swirl look that everyone loves.
Choose Thick Jelly or Jam: Thicker jelly won’t sink to the bottom and keeps the surprise center intact.
Test Your Oven: Baking times can vary; check cupcakes a few minutes early to avoid overbaking and dryness.

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Garnishes

Add a festive touch with fresh berries, chopped peanuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal and added flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on colorful cupcake stands to showcase their charm or create a peanut butter and jelly-themed dessert platter with mini sandwiches and fruit for a themed party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap, then storing in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel. Add frosting after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the cupcakes and frosting, making each bite even more interesting.

What is the best jelly to use in Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes?

Strawberry and grape jellies are classics, but raspberry, blackberry, or even apricot work beautifully. Choose a jelly with good thickness to keep it from spreading too much.

Are these cupcakes suitable for kids?

Yes! They are always a hit with kids due to the familiar flavors and fun presentation. Just be mindful of peanut allergies when serving to other children.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

With some substitutions like plant-based butters, flax eggs, and vegan milk, you can make a delicious vegan version. Use a vegan peanut butter and jelly to keep it fully plant-based.

How long does it take to make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes from start to finish?

From mixing to frosting, you can expect about 45 minutes to an hour, including baking and cooling time. Perfect for an afternoon baking session!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet, nostalgic treat that brings a smile with every bite, these Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are exactly what you need. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with layers of comforting flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to treat for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowl and favorite jelly, and start baking your own little bites of joy today!