Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes

Name: Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup jelly (strawberry or grape); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the nostalgic flavors of childhood with these Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes. A perfect treat for any occasion!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T09:14:30.622Z

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes are a fun twist on a classic favorite. With a moist peanut butter cake base, a dollop of sweet jelly, and creamy peanut butter frosting, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

        Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
        Rich peanut butter flavor balanced with sweet jelly
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Great for parties, picnics, or a sweet treat at home

      

A Nostalgic Twist on a Classic

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a quintessential part of many childhoods, evoking memories of lunchboxes and school days. These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes take that beloved combination and elevate it to an entirely new level. By incorporating the flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly into a moist cupcake, you can enjoy the nostalgia in every bite. They are not just for kids; adults will also find themselves reminiscing about carefree days with this delightful treat.

The brilliance of these cupcakes lies in their versatility. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, they fit the bill perfectly. Their unique flavor profile makes them a conversation starter at gatherings, and they are sure to impress your guests. Plus, with the ease of preparation, you can whip them up in no time!

Perfect Pairing: Peanut Butter and Jelly

The combination of peanut butter and jelly is a match made in culinary heaven. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter perfectly complements the sweetness of jelly, creating a satisfying balance in every bite. In these cupcakes, the peanut butter adds depth and creaminess, while the jelly provides a burst of fruity flavor that takes the dessert to the next level. Choosing between strawberry or grape jelly allows you to customize the cupcakes to your taste preferences, ensuring that each batch can be unique.

Moreover, the use of jelly in the cupcake batter not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful surprise when biting into the cupcake. It's a playful nod to the classic sandwich, making these treats not just delicious but also fun to eat. Each cupcake is a little package of joy that will delight both young and old alike!

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps to create a smooth batter that incorporates air more effectively, resulting in light and fluffy cupcakes. Additionally, when measuring your flour, be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cupcakes.

Another important tip is to not overmix your batter. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes, which we want to avoid for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Also, keep an eye on your baking time. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early, as ovens can vary, and you want to remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before starting.

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup jelly (strawberry or grape)

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect cupcakes.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy.

Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add sugar, mixing well. Then, add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.

Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Add a teaspoon of jelly into the center of each cupcake.

Bake

Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the peanut butter frosting.

Enjoy your delicious cupcakes!

Serving Suggestions

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate the experience even further by pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. The creamy frosting and moist cake complement the beverages beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor. For an extra special touch, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.

If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of jelly or even adding a layer of banana slices between the cupcake and frosting for a banana PB&J twist. These small changes can create new flavor combinations that keep your cupcake experience exciting and fresh.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once baked, these cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life to about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost them with the delicious peanut butter frosting before serving.

Customization Ideas

Get creative with your Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes by incorporating various mix-ins or toppings. Consider adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even mini marshmallows to the batter for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, such as a cream cheese frosting or even a chocolate ganache, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

For a fun twist, try creating a layered cupcake by alternating layers of peanut butter batter and jelly batter. This not only looks visually stunning but also gives you an exciting combination of flavors in each bite. Don't be afraid to play around with different jellies or even try making your own homemade fruit preserves to truly personalize your cupcakes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but make sure it's well-stirred.

→ How should I store these cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

→ What jelly works best?

Strawberry and grape jelly are popular choices, but feel free to use your favorite!