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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

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Moist peanut butter cupcakes topped with silky dollops of Italian meringue buttercream infused with fresh raspberry reduction.

A peanut butter cupcake with a raspberry jelly buttercream dollop.
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Here’s my somewhat more elegant take on an American classic. Growing up I was OBSESSED with PBJ sandwiches. Last week, I even made a few peanut butter chocolate cakes. It inspired me to try out this combo.

The cake is super-moist with big peanut butter flavor coming through. That Italian meringue buttercream is light and has just the right amount of berry flavor.

If you are not super familiar with making meringue-based buttercreams check out my How to Make Italian Buttercream Post. It has all the tips and tricks, along with a full how to video, to help you make the perfect buttercream every time. 

 A group of peanut butter and jelly cupcakes on a dark wooden board

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Pro Tips for making these PBJ Cupcakes

  • If your buttercream is “soupy,” just pop it into the fridge for a couple of minutes, then beat it. It should thicken up. I find consistency problems arise mostly from the meringue being too warm when the butter is added. Chilling it will help improve the consistency. 
  • If you want to really pump up the flavors, you can make this into a filled cupcake to which you could add a peanut butter ganache or jam. 
  • You can substitute whole milk yogurt for the sour cream if desired, I do it all the time and can’t really tell the difference.
  • Instead of a raspberry reduction you can use the juice from thawed raspberries, or even your favorite jam. 

If you’ve tried these peanut butter and jelly cupcakes then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

A peanut butter and jelly cupcake with raspberries in the foreground.
5 from 11 votes

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

Moist peanut butter cupcakes topped with silky dollops of Italian meringue buttercream infused with fresh raspberry reduction.
Print Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 18 Cupcakes
Calories 430kcal
Author John Kanell

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 200g
  • 1 cup sugar 200g
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup salted butter 113g
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter + 1 TBS
  • 3 egg whites
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup milk (120ml)

For the Italian Buttercream:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar 300g
  • 1/3 cup water 80mL
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 cups unsalted butter room temperature, cut into 1-inch pieces 452g
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL, optional

For the Raspberry Reduction:

  • 6 ounces raspberries
  • 2 TBS sugar
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 TBS water

Instructions

For the Cupcakes:

  • Heat oven to 350F, 177C. Sift together the dry ingredients and give them a good whisk.
  • Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar, then mix in the rest of the wet ingredients, eggs, milk, vanilla etc.
  • Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
  • Fill cup liners about 2/3 the way up and place in middle rack of oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the centers are springy.

For the Raspberry Reduction:

  • Place the ingredients in a small sauce pan on medium low heat.
  • Mash the berries with the back of a spoon or muddler and stir occasionally.
  • You want to reduce the amount of liquid, intensify the flavor, and thicken the liquid so aim to cook until the mixture is reduced by half.
  • Strain the reduction and set aside to cool.

For the Italian Buttercream:

  • Beat the egg whites and 1/3 cup of sugar until soft peaks form.
  • In a medium saucepan add the remaining sugar and 1/3 cup water and place on low heat.
  •  Stir constantly until sugar melts and becomes clear.  Maintain a medium high heat until temperature reads 240F.
  •  Drizzle the sugar into the mixer immediately. Run mixer until meringue is room temperature.
  • Add room temperature butter into running mixer one piece at a time. Beat until butter is combined and mixture has reached a silky consistency
  • Mix in the cooled berry reduction and pipe onto cupcakes (I used an 869 tip).

Notes

 

  • If your buttercream is "soupy," just pop it into the fridge for a couple of minutes, then beat it. It should thicken up. I find consistency problems arise mostly from the meringue being too warm when the butter is added. Chilling it will help improve the consistency. 
  • If you want to really pump up the flavors, you can make this into a filled cupcake to which you could add a peanut butter ganache or jam. 
  • You can substitute whole milk yogurt for the sour cream if desired, I do it all the time and can’t really tell the difference.
  • Instead of a raspberry reduction you can use the juice from thawed raspberries, or even your favorite jam. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 3.2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.7mg
*Nutrition Disclaimer
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