Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirl

Name: Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes

I absolutely love making these Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls! They combine my favorite peanut butter flavor with a moist cupcake base, creating a delightful treat. The swirl of peanut butter frosting on top adds that perfect finishing touch. Whenever I make these cupcakes, the aroma fills my kitchen and brings a smile to everyone's face. Whether for a party or an indulgent snack, these cupcakes are a hit, and I can't wait to share the recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:34:27.536Z

When I first experimented with this Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirl recipe, I aimed to find a balance between sweetness and the rich, salty flavor of peanut butter. After testing different frostings, I discovered that mixing the peanut butter with cream cheese creates a delightful tanginess that elevates the dessert. The texture is creamy yet light, making each bite irresistible.

I've also learned that letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting is crucial; it prevents the frosting from melting into a puddle of goodness. This way, you get to enjoy the full effect of the swirl, which not only looks stunning but tastes divine!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Decadent peanut butter flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth
Light and fluffy cupcake texture with a creamy swirl
Perfect for parties, easy to share, and loved by all ages

Mastering the Cupcake Texture

Getting the perfect cupcake texture is essential for these Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls. Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial; this aeration creates a tender crumb. Be careful not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients—overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of a light and airy bite. A good visual cue is to mix until just combined, leaving a few flour streaks in the batter.

When filling your cupcake liners, avoid overfilling them; less than 2/3 full is ideal. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without spilling over the edges. Keep an eye on them while they bake; they should spring back when lightly pressed and have golden edges. If you notice the tops cracking significantly, it might indicate that the oven temperature was too high, so a quick adjustment might be necessary next time.

Creating the Perfect Frosting

Achieving a creamy texture for your peanut butter frosting is all about properly softening the cream cheese and peanut butter. At room temperature, both ingredients blend seamlessly to create a smooth, spreadable frosting. If your frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency; if it's too runny, a little more powdered sugar will help thicken it. Remember, a smooth frosting not only tastes better but also looks appealing when piped onto your cupcakes.

Using a piping bag can elevate the presentation of your frosted cupcakes. For a simple swirl design, fill the bag fitted with a star tip and apply even pressure while moving in a circular motion from the outside to the center. If you’re not comfortable with piping, a knife or spatula can suffice—just spread the frosting generously and create a slight peak for that rustic look. Don’t forget to customize with a drizzle of melted chocolate, which enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start this delicious cupcake adventure:

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to create these marvelous cupcakes!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until well blended. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth and creamy consistency.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a knife to swirl the peanut butter frosting generously on top of each cupcake. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little melted chocolate or additional peanut butter on top.

Enjoy your Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself!

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting before serving. It enhances the peanut butter experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls can be made in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. If you want to prepare ahead, consider baking the cupcakes a day or two before the event. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; just keep the frosting separate until you're ready to serve. This will maintain the freshness of the cupcakes and prevent them from becoming soggy before frosting.

If you have leftover cupcakes, you can refrigerate them for up to five days. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container to avoid drying out. For longer storage, these cupcakes freeze quite well as well. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for an extra layer of protection. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make these cupcakes dairy-free, you can opt for plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk substitute like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For vegan-friendly frosting, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese and powdered sugar mix, enhancing it with a little coconut oil for creaminess. Just be sure to adjust the milk in your frosting as needed to maintain that creamy texture while ensuring it holds up when piped.

For those with nut allergies, peanut butter can be replaced with sun butter (sunflower seed butter) for a similar texture and sweetness. Similarly, if you're not a fan of cream cheese in the frosting, try using vanilla yogurt as an alternative, although it will yield a slightly different flavor profile. These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe easily while keeping the spirit of the Peanut Butter Cupcake Swirls intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the cupcakes?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and an extra peanut flavor.

→ How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar effect.