Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

I’m a huge fan of combining classic candies with baked goods, and these Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes immediately caught my eye! The idea of a rich, chocolatey cupcake with a hidden Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup inside, topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and a drizzle of melted chocolate, seemed like the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

My inspiration came from a desire to create a cupcake that was both decadent and fun, offering a surprising and delightful element in every bite. I wanted something that would be perfect for a birthday party, a special occasion, or simply a satisfying treat.

My goal was to find a recipe that utilized some convenience ingredients (like a boxed cake mix) to streamline the process, while still delivering a homemade taste and an impressive presentation. These Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes seemed to fit the bill perfectly: a devil’s food cake mix base, a homemade peanut butter frosting, and the clever addition of a Reese’s miniature inside each cupcake.

These cupcakes will please everyone.

Nostalgic Appeal

These Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes tap into several nostalgic elements, making them a comforting and appealing treat. First, there’s the cupcake itself, a classic dessert that often evokes memories of childhood birthday parties, bake sales, and special occasions.

The use of a devil’s food cake mix is a nostalgic element for many, evoking memories of easy baking projects and quick, satisfying desserts.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a beloved candy that many of us grew up with, adding a touch of childhood fun and familiarity to the recipe.

And the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic flavor pairing that’s both comforting and universally appealing, reminiscent of many popular candies and desserts.

Homemade Focus

While this recipe utilizes a boxed cake mix for convenience, the overall feeling is still very much homemade, thanks to the from-scratch peanut butter frosting and the thoughtful assembly of each component. It’s about taking a shortcut and elevating it with homemade touches and a creative twist.

I appreciate recipes that balance convenience with homemade elements, and this one strikes that balance perfectly. You’re still putting in the effort to make a luscious peanut butter frosting from scratch, and to carefully stuff each cupcake with a Reese’s miniature.

The homemade peanut butter frosting is a key element that elevates these cupcakes beyond a simple boxed mix creation. It adds a rich, creamy, and intensely peanut buttery flavor that complements the chocolate cake and the hidden Reese’s cup.

And the act of stuffing the cupcakes and drizzling them with melted chocolate adds a personal and creative touch, making these cupcakes feel truly special.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal of these Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes is a decadent and harmonious combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and the classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It’s a multi-layered treat that’s sure to satisfy any peanut butter and chocolate craving.

The devil’s food cake mix provides a moist and flavorful base, offering a rich, chocolatey foundation for the other flavors.

The peanut butter frosting, made with creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, delivers a rich, creamy, and intensely peanut buttery flavor that complements the chocolate cake perfectly.

The hidden Reese’s miniature inside each cupcake adds a burst of peanut butter and chocolate flavor, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.

And the drizzle of melted chocolate on top provides an extra touch of chocolatey richness and a visually appealing finish.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. I’ll explain why each one is important, without listing specific measurements (those are in the recipe section).

For the Cupcakes:

Devil’s food cake mix, prepared according to package instructions: This provides the chocolate cake base.

Reese’s miniatures, unwrapped, divided: These are used both as a hidden surprise inside the cupcakes and as a garnish on top.

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

Creamy peanut butter:

Unsalted butter, softened.

Powdered sugar:

Pure vanilla extract:

Kosher salt:

Heavy cream:

Melted chocolate: This is drizzled over the frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of chocolate.

These ingredients are easy to find.

Essential Equipment

You won’t need a lot of specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

A 12-cup muffin pan: For baking the cupcakes.

Cupcake liners:

A large bowl and a hand mixer (or a stand mixer):

Measuring cups and spoons.

This is a basic list.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

• 24 Reese’s miniatures, unwrapped, divided
• Devil’s food cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/4 cup melted chocolate

These ingredients will create a perfect result.

Gather all ingredients before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. I’ll guide you through each stage.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter and Fill Liners. Prepare the devil’s food cake mix according to the package instructions. Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with batter.

Step 3: Add Reese’s Miniatures. Place a Reese’s miniature into the center of each unbaked cupcake.

Step 4: Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake part (not the Reese’s) comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin pan.

Step 6: Make Peanut Butter Frosting. Meanwhile, make the peanut butter frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until evenly combined. Gradually add the heavy cream and beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the peanut butter frosting. Top each cupcake with a Reese’s miniature, then drizzle with melted chocolate.

These steps are clear and simple.

Troubleshooting

Let’s address some potential issues and how to solve them:

Problem: My cupcakes are dry. Solution: You may have overbaked them, or the cake mix you used might be drier than others. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Problem: My frosting is too runny. Solution: Add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. You can also chill the frosting for a bit to help it firm up.

Problem: My frosting is too thick. Solution: Add a little more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Problem: My Reese’s sank to the bottom of the cupcakes. Solution: Try freezing the Reese’s miniatures before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended in the center of the cupcake. You could also try adding a small amount of batter to the liners first, then the Reese’s, and then the rest of the batter.

These troubleshooting tips are efficient.

Tips and Variations

This section offers customizations and helpful advice.

Tip: For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use a peanut butter-flavored cake mix instead of devil’s food.

Variation: Add chopped peanuts or Reese’s Pieces to the frosting for extra texture and flavor.

Tip: If you don’t have time to melt chocolate, you can use a store-bought chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce for drizzling.

Variation: Instead of Reese’s miniatures, you could use other candies, such as mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or chocolate-covered caramels.

Tip: To ensure even baking, rotate the muffin tin halfway through the baking time.

Variation: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the peanut butter frosting for an extra-rich chocolate experience.

There are many options with this recipe.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes are a decadent and delightful treat. Here are some serving and pairing ideas:

Serving: Serve the cupcakes at room temperature.

Pairing:

• A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, or any time you want a truly indulgent treat.
• Serve them as part of a dessert spread, alongside other candies, cookies, or brownies.

Serving: Arrange the cupcakes on a platter or tiered stand for a beautiful presentation.

This dessert is perfect for events.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is approximate due to variations in specific ingredients and serving sizes. One cupcake may contain:

• Calories: 400-450
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-70mg
• Sodium: 250-300mg
• Total Carbs. 50-55 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 35-40 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams

These cupcakes are a treat, and should be enjoyed in moderation.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s conclude with a summary of the recipe and answers to some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary:

Reese’s Stuffed Cupcakes feature a devil’s food cake mix base with a hidden Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup miniature inside, topped with a homemade creamy peanut butter frosting and a drizzle of melted chocolate. They’re a decadent and fun treat for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Frost them closer to the serving time.

Q: How long will the frosted cupcakes stay fresh? A: Once frosted, they’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as the frosting can soften the cupcakes over time.

Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? A: Yes, you could use a chocolate fudge cake mix, a milk chocolate cake mix, or even a yellow or vanilla cake mix, but the overall flavor profile will be different.

Q: I’m allergic to peanuts. Can I substitute something else for the Reese’s and peanut butter? A: Yes, you could use chocolate-covered caramels or another candy that you enjoy. For the frosting, you could substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, but the flavor will be different.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes.