INGREDIENTS

  • 1 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 8 Tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk*

DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING

  • 2 and 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 6 Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line 12-cup muffin pan with liners. Set aside.

For the cupcakes: Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes on medium speed. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add in vanilla. Scrape down the sides as needed. Slowly beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Batter will be thick.

Divide batter evenly between 12 cupcake tins. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting.

For the frosting: Sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to assure there are no lumps. Set aside.

With a handheld of stand mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until fluffy – about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar/cocoa powder alternately with the heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on low speed after each addition. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too dark. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. I used Wilton tip #12 to pipe my frosting.

Cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store covered in the refrigerator is desired for up to 1 week.

CREDITS TO (Entire recipe taken from) http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/02/04/peanut-butter-cupcakes-with-dark-chocolate-frosting/