These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the perfect blend of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a delightful dessert, these cupcakes are sure to impress. The moist and tender cupcakes are filled with luscious peach preserves, providing a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, fresh diced peaches, and a drizzle of honey, these cupcakes are both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. The sugar crystals add a delightful crunch and a touch of sparkle, making them look as good as they taste. Follow the detailed instructions below to create these delightful Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peach preserves
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzle)
- Sugar crystals (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set 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.
- Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Fill Cupcake Liners:
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the cupcake batter.
- Add a spoonful of peach preserves in the center of each cupcake.
- Cover with more batter until the liners are three-quarters full.
6. Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin before frosting.
7. Prepare Frosting:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk together until smooth and creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost each cupcake with the cream cheese mixture using a spatula or piping bag.
- Top each frosted cupcake with diced fresh peaches.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle honey over the top of each cupcake for a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle sugar crystals on top for a sparkling finish.
Serving:
- This recipe makes 12 delicious Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes.
- These cupcakes are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a special treat for your family and friends.
Notes:
- Peach Substitution: If fresh peaches are not available, you can use canned or frozen peaches. Make sure to drain and dice them well before using.
- Make-Ahead: The cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and garnish them just before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Alternative Sweeteners: For a different flavor, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for drizzling.
FAQs:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cupcakes might change slightly, and they may be denser.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure that the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I use a different type of fruit preserve?
Yes, you can use any type of fruit preserve you like. Apricot, raspberry, or strawberry preserves would all work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the fruit preserves from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes?
To prevent the fruit preserves from sinking, make sure your batter is thick enough to support the preserves. You can also try slightly mixing the preserves into the batter rather than placing a dollop in the center.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
For a different flavor, you can use mascarpone cheese or a thick Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese.
Are these cupcakes suitable for a picnic?
Yes, these cupcakes are great for picnics. Just be sure to transport them in a cooler to keep the frosting from melting.
Can I add nuts to these cupcakes?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or almonds would add a nice crunch to the cupcakes. Fold them into the batter just before filling the cupcake liners.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes! Their perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, along with the creamy frosting and honey drizzle, makes them a standout treat for any occasion.