These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat! Soft, fluffy cupcakes topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and sweet peach pieces make them perfect for any occasion.
Every bite is like summer in your mouth! 🍑 I love how the peach flavor shines through, and the cream cheese adds a rich touch. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cupcakes, it gives the right texture. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed, though the results might vary slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as you control the saltiness. You could use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, which will maintain moisture.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cupcakes perfectly. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting quantities as needed.
Greek Yogurt: It keeps the cupcakes moist and adds tang. You can swap it with sour cream or plain yogurt, or even applesauce for a lighter option.
Fresh Peaches: For a burst of fruitiness, fresh is best! If out of season, canned or frozen peaches (well-drained) can work too, but fresh will always have the best flavor.
How Do You Get Fluffy Cupcakes?
To achieve light and fluffy cupcakes, the mixing process is key. Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until it’s pale and fluffy—this incorporates air, helping the cupcakes rise.
- Beat for 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step.
- When adding eggs, mix each one in thoroughly before the next; this helps with emulsifying the mixture.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour—mix just until combined to keep the texture soft.
What’s the Best Way to Frost Cupcakes?
Frosting can be an art! To get that beautiful swirl on top of your cupcakes:
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for decorative swirls. If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works great too.
- Start in the center and work your way outwards, creating a spiral pattern to the edge.
- Top with a peach slice and drizzle honey for a stunning finish!
These tips and substitutions will help you make delicious Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes tailored to your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy baking!
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Âľ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup diced fresh peaches (peeled and pitted)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Thin slices or small chunks of fresh peach
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the cupcakes cool for a while before frosting them, which may take an additional 20 minutes, bringing your total time to about 55 minutes. Perfect for a sweet treat that doesn’t take all day to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to make the cleanup easier and avoid sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed in the flour. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air and makes your cupcakes nice and fluffy!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Yogurt and Honey:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and honey. This will bring a lovely sweetness and moisture to your cupcakes.
6. Alternate Adding Mixtures:
Next, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the yogurt-honey mix to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cupcakes may turn out tough!
7. Fold in Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches with a spatula, allowing those juicy bits to mix throughout the batter.
8. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
9. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary!
10. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cupcakes are cooling, go ahead and make the frosting! In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
12. Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to mix until everything is combined. It should be smooth and creamy—yum!
13. Mix in Honey and Vanilla:
Next, blend in the honey and vanilla extract until the frosting smooth and delicious.
14. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting using a knife or piping bag for a decorative touch!
15. Garnish and Serve:
Top each cupcake with a slice or chunk of fresh peach and drizzle a little honey on top if desired to make them even more beautiful.
16. Enjoy Your Treat!
And there you have it! Serve these delightful Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes at your next gathering or simply enjoy them at home. They are perfect for any occasion, and I hope you love them as much as I do!
FAQ for Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Can I Substitute the Fresh Peaches with Canned Peaches?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Fresh peaches are ideal for flavor, but canned can work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If they are frosted, consume within 2 days for the best freshness. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for optimal flavor.
Can I Freeze These Cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with an equal amount of sour cream, plain yogurt, or even applesauce if you prefer a lighter option. Each will give a slightly different texture and taste but should work well!
