Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes 🧡🍑
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches
- 2 tablespoons honey for drizzle
- Sugar crystals for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Cupcake Liners:
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
- Add a spoonful of peach preserves to each.
- Cover with more batter until the liners are three-quarters full.
- Bake Cupcakes:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Garnish:
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with diced fresh peaches.
- Drizzle the honey over the top and sprinkle with sugar crystals.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 280 kcal per cupcake
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes 🧡🍑
- Use Ripe Peaches: Ensure your peaches are ripe for maximum flavor. They should be fragrant and give slightly when pressed.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Proper Creaming Technique: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in lighter cupcakes.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- High-Quality Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla.
- Accurate Measuring: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredient ratios are correct.
- Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure your leavening agents are fresh for optimal rise.
- Filling the Liners: Fill the cupcake liners only 2/3 full to allow room for the batter to rise without spilling over.
- Peach Preserves Layer: Spread the peach preserves evenly in the center of the batter to ensure every bite has a burst of peach flavor.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray your cupcake liners with non-stick spray to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking the cupcakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Piping for Precision: Use a piping bag for a neater application of the cream cheese frosting.
- Fresh Peach Garnish: Top with fresh peach slices right before serving to avoid them getting soggy.
- Honey Drizzle: Drizzle the honey just before serving to keep it from soaking into the cupcakes and to retain its glossy appearance.
- Chill Frosted Cupcakes: Refrigerate the frosted cupcakes for about 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating.
Most Popular Questions and Their Answers Related to Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use canned peaches. Make sure to drain them well before dicing.
- Can I substitute the buttermilk?
- You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cupcakes gluten-free.
- Can I use honey in the batter instead of granulated sugar?
- You can use honey, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients to compensate.
- How should I store the cupcakes?
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the cupcakes?
- Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
- What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
- You can use mascarpone cheese or a vanilla buttercream if you prefer.
- How do I prevent the cupcakes from being too dense?
- Make sure not to overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
- Can I use other fruit preserves?
- Yes, you can use other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot.
- Can I add nuts to the batter?
- Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can be a great addition.
- Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
- Yes, use a plant-based butter, egg substitute, and non-dairy milk.
- What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the frosting?
- You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it is a fine powder.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of different flours, but it may change the texture.
- Is it necessary to use the sugar crystals for garnish?
- No, the sugar crystals are optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
- Can I use a different flavor of honey?
- Yes, different flavors of honey can add unique tastes to your cupcakes.
- How can I make the frosting less sweet?
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste or add a bit more cream cheese.
- What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
- Add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.
- Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
- Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to match a theme or preference.
- Can I make mini cupcakes instead?
- Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.
- Can I add spices to the batter?
- Yes, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the peach flavor nicely.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delicious Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes!