Heavenly Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Jimmy and I were in cupcake heaven with these rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes today. The chocolate cake is so moist and the frosting is not too sweet (with some adjustments to the recipe). I only wish my brother could have one because he and I have a long history of love with Reese's. Pieces mostly, but cups were a close second. I remember he loved getting the bag of Reese's peanut butter baking chips and still does now. Hopefully we will live closer some day, but for now, I have another excuse to bake these bad boys next time I go home to visit. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter tends to be a favorite of men in general, so this would be the perfect dessert for Father's Day!

This cake is so rich you'll almost NEED a glass of milk to wash it down with!

What the heck am I gonna do with all of these tempting treats?!

It starts out so innocent, but before you know it you've got a sweet new addiction!

Chocolate Cupcakes
(makes 24-27 standard sized cupcakes)

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa (best quality available)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (best quality available)
1 cup boiling water

Directions-
1. Line muffin tin with paper liners. Heat oven to 350*F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for one minute.
4. Stir in boiling water (the batter will be very thin, don't worry, this is right).
5. Fill liners about 3/4 full with batter.
6. Bake cupcakes for approximately 18-20 minutes.
7. Cool completely on wire rack before frosting.



Peanut Butter Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup smooth peanut butter (I used a honey peanut butter)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)

Beat the butter until smooth. Add the cream cheese, and continue to beat until smooth and fully combined with the butter. Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth. Add in the cream, and beat another 30 seconds. Frost cupcakes with piping bag & top with Reese's Mini Cups or Reese's Pieces.

Frosting Recipe adapted from Glorious Treats
Cupcakes Recipe Adapted from Hershey's