Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup whole milk
For the Nutella Filling:
1/2 cup Nutella or any hazelnut chocolate spread
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Peanut Butter Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Mix in the peanut butter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Drop a teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each cupcake, then cover it with a little more batter until it’s hidden.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
Assembly:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the Peanut Butter Frosting on top of the cupcakes using your preferred decorating tip.
Optionally, garnish with a drizzle of warmed Nutella or chopped peanuts for a delightful and nutty finish.
These Nutella-Filled Peanut Butter Cupcakes combine the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich and indulgent dessert. Enjoy the creamy peanut butter frosting and the gooey Nutella center in every scrumptious bite!