Okay, we’re taking a childhood classic and giving it a cupcake glow-up. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are the ultimate throwback treat imagine soft, fluffy peanut butter cake filled with sweet jelly and topped with the dreamiest peanut butter frosting. They’re sweet, salty, creamy, and jammy all at once. It’s like biting into your favorite sandwich, but in dessert form. And trust me, this combo in cupcake form? Game-changer. Whether you’re baking for a party, your kiddos, or just because you need a peanut butter fix, these little beauties hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, lunchboxes, bake sales, or “just because” afternoons everyone loves PB\&J.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it easy on the wallet.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and straightforward steps mean you’ll be enjoying cupcakes in no time.

Customizable: Switch up the jelly, play with different nut butters, or get fancy with toppings.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Here’s the lineup that makes this cupcake magic happen nothing fancy, but the result is totally bakery-worthy:

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cupcakes structure while keeping them soft and tender.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: For that perfect rise and light, airy crumb.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture use unsalted for better control over the flavor.

Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, adding that nutty, nostalgic flavor.

Sugar and Brown Sugar: A sweet blend for flavor depth and moisture.

Eggs: Help bind the batter and give the cupcakes structure.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the PB\&J vibe.

Buttermilk or Milk: Keeps the cupcakes super moist and fluffy.

Jelly or Jam: The sweet surprise in the center — use your favorite flavor!

Peanut Butter Frosting: Rich, smooth, and perfect for piping or spreading on top.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy release and clean-up.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step creates the base of flavor and texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Mix in Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined don’t overdo it!

Fill and Bake: Divide the batter among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Fill: Let the cupcakes cool completely, then use a small knife or piping tip to create a center hole. Spoon or pipe in your favorite jelly.

Top with Frosting: Frost generously with peanut butter frosting, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with extra jelly or sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Serve and Enjoy: These are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temp either way, they’re a flavor explosion.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 340

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
• Top with a swirl of grape jelly for a bold PB\&J finish.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture and crunch.
• Want a party vibe? Stick a mini PB\&J sandwich on top of each cupcake it’s a showstopper.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
• Chill the cupcakes before filling to make hollowing out easier.
• For a smoother frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing.
• You can use any jelly strawberry, grape, raspberry, even fig!
• Store in the fridge, but let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and store them unfrosted, then fill and frost the day you serve them.

2. What jelly works best?
Classic grape or strawberry are traditional, but feel free to get creative.

3. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
You can, but it’ll make the texture a little heavier creamy is best for smooth cupcakes.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw, fill, and frost when ready.

6. What’s the best tool to core the cupcakes?
A small knife or the wide end of a piping tip works great.

7. Can I skip the jelly filling?
Sure! The cupcakes and frosting are still delicious on their own.

8. How do I make peanut butter frosting from scratch?
Beat butter and peanut butter together, add powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla until fluffy.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just sub in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

10. Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Little hands love helping with filling and frosting.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are everything you love about the classic sandwich made cuter, sweeter, and totally irresistible. From the soft peanut butter cake to the surprise jelly center and that rich frosting, every bite is pure nostalgia with a twist. These cupcakes are fun, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. So go ahead, whip up a batch and let your inner kiddo smile this treat is love at first bite.

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