Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
  • Yield:12 cupcakes
  • Prep Time:5 min
  • Cook Time:1hr 30 minutes
  • Total Time:1hr 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes 

1 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

1 tsp. baking powder 

1/4 tsp. salt 

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 

1/2 cup Peanut Butter & Co. Smooth Operator 

3/4 cup light brown sugar 

2 large eggs 

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

3 tbsp. milk 


For the frosting 

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter 

1 cup dark brown sugar 

1/3 cup heavy cream 

1/2 tsp. salt 

3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted 

3/4 cup light brown sugar 

additional pinch of salt, as needed 

green sprinkles 

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with liners. Set aside. 

  2. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer, cream together the Peanut Butter & Co. Smooth Operator, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla. 

  3. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. 

  4. Divide batter evenly between 12 cupcake tins. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool. 

  5. While the cupcakes are cooling, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Once melted, add brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add salt. 

  6. Allow to bubble for 3 full minutes, no more. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Do not place in the refrigerator to cool. With a hand mixer at medium speed, beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, until you reach desired consistency. I used 4 cups. Add more salt if the frosting tastes too sweet. 

  7. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles. 

Cook Notes

Extra frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature again before frosting anything. 

Cupcakes stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

Tags: Cake Caramel Cupcakes desserts Frosting Holidays Peanut butter Peanut Butter & Co. Smooth Operator snacks Sweet Sweets Treats