These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a sweet treat! Soft and fluffy, with peach bits and a creamy cheese frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion.
I love how the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness! Serve these cupcakes at a party, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “yummy!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! Fresh peaches provide a juicy sweetness that makes the cupcakes amazing. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (packed in juice, not syrup) or diced nectarines for a similar flavor.
Honey: Honey not only sweetens but adds a floral note to the cupcakes and frosting. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup works well, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly!
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative, you could use a light cream cheese, but the frosting may not be as rich.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose blend. It may require some tweaking on the baking time, so keep an eye on the cupcakes!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Fluffy Cupcakes?
Achieving fluffy cupcakes is all about mixing and baking techniques. Here’s how to do it right:
- **Cream Butter and Sugar Well**: Beat them until light and fluffy—a good 3-4 minutes—this incorporates air, making the cupcakes airy.
- **Don’t Overmix**: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in dense cupcakes.
- **Check Oven Temperature**: Ovens can vary, so use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate. Too hot can burn the cupcakes, and too cool will result in undercooked centers.
- **Allow Cooling**: Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and helps create that beautiful finish.
By following these tips, you’ll have a batch of delightful cupcakes that everyone will love!
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp honey
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cupcake recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 18-22 minutes for baking. After baking, be sure to set aside about 30 minutes for the cupcakes to cool completely before you frost them. In total, you can expect to spend around an hour to an hour and a half, including cooling time. Perfect for a delicious weekend baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This not only helps with easy serving but also prevents sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This is important to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. After mixing, set this bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This helps incorporate air into the batter for nice fluffy cupcakes!
4. Add Eggs and Flavors:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and honey until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where those lovely peach flavors start to shine!
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each one about 2/3 full. This leaves enough room for them to rise without overflowing.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the filled muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cupcakes cool, prepare your frosting. In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add honey and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and delicious!
10. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously over each cupcake. If you want to add an extra touch, drizzle a bit of honey on top or garnish with thin peach slices.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing with family and friends or for a sweet treat just for you. Enjoy every bite!
These cupcakes not only serve as a splendid dessert but also offer a delightful mix of flavors that are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are out of season! Choose peaches packed in juice rather than syrup, and make sure to drain and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Frosting Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you’re ready to use it, simply bring it back to room temperature and whip it a bit if it seems too firm.
What If the Cupcakes Are Too Dense?
If your cupcakes turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or measuring flour incorrectly. To avoid this, make sure to measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Also, mix just until combined to keep them fluffy!
