These Creamy Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a sweet treat that combines fluffy cupcakes with a delicious peach cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for summer parties!
Baking these cupcakes is a blast, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I love topping them with extra peach slices for a fruity touch. Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your go-to flour for cupcakes, providing the right texture. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Fresh peaches: Fresh peaches add natural sweetness and moisture. If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches (in juice) can work—just be sure to drain and chop them finely.
Cream cheese: This gives the frosting its signature tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use light cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change slightly.
Honey: It’s a natural sweetener that enhances the flavor. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can be good alternatives, although they will alter the taste and texture slightly.
How Do You Get Fluffy Cupcakes Every Time?
To achieve fluffy cupcakes, creaming the butter and sugar is key. Beating them together incorporates air, which helps the cupcakes rise during baking.
- Start with room temperature butter—this makes it easier to cream.
- Beat the mixture for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy, ensuring you scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour; mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Following this method can help you create light and airy cupcakes that are sure to impress!
Creamy Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
For the Honey Peach Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh peach puree (made by blending fresh peaches)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Thin peach slices
- A drizzle of honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake. After baking, be sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, which may take an additional 30 minutes. Total time: about 1.5 hours, including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your cupcakes perfectly. Don’t forget to line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set the mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they’re well incorporated after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. It’s best to start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in Peaches:
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh peaches to the batter, being careful not to break them apart too much. This will add delightful chunks of fruit in every bite!
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Evenly divide the cupcake batter among the prepared liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise!
8. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
10. Prepare the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your frosting!
11. Add Powdered Sugar and Honey:
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
12. Mix in Peach Puree:
Gently fold in the fresh peach puree until it’s well incorporated. If the frosting is too soft, you can chill it slightly in the fridge.
13. Frost the Cupcakes:
Use a piping bag or a spatula to frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the honey peach cream cheese frosting.
14. Garnish:
For a finishing touch, top each frosted cupcake with a thin slice of peach and a drizzle of honey if desired. This adds both flavor and beauty!
15. Serve and Enjoy!
These luscious cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Whether for a special occasion or just because, they are sure to impress everyone!
These cupcakes deliver a deliciously sweet and creamy harmony of honey and fresh peach flavor, perfectly paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ: Creamy Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well and chop them finely. Keep in mind that canned peaches may be sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly in the cupcake batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the frosting may soften in the fridge. You can bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make the Cupcakes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to frost them. Frost just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
What If My Frosting Is Too Soft?
If your frosting is too soft to hold its shape, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This should help it firm up. If it’s still too soft, you can mix in an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to thicken it up.
