Homemade Reese's Cupcake Surprise

Name: Homemade Reese's Cupcake Surprise
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp butter, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love creating desserts that combine two of my favorite treats, and these Homemade Reese's Cupcake Surprises do just that. Each cupcake is filled with a creamy peanut butter center and topped with a rich chocolate frosting, making it a delightful indulgence. The moment you bite into one, it’s like a mini party in your mouth! I find that the combination of textures and flavors elevates these cupcakes to a whole new level, which is perfect for sharing at gatherings or just treating myself on a cozy evening.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:22:32.295Z

Last weekend, I decided to experiment with my favorite candy - Reese's peanut butter cups. I wanted to create a cupcake that captured that rich, nutty flavor paired with a moist chocolate cake. After several attempts, I found that adding a peanut butter filling produced an irresistible surprise in each bite. The key is to freeze the filling briefly before baking; this prevents it from melting away during the cooking process.

As I refined the recipe, I discovered that using high-quality cocoa powder enhanced the chocolate flavor, creating a richer overall taste. I topped the cupcakes with a glossy ganache made from dark chocolate, which not only looks stunning but adds an extra layer of decadence. I’m so excited to share this with you!

        Why You Will Love These Cupcakes
        Decadent peanut butter filling that surprises with every bite
Rich chocolate frosting that complements the cupcake perfectly
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home

      

Cupcake Batter Insights

The base of these cupcakes relies heavily on the balance of dry and wet ingredients. Be sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps, creating a smoother batter that bakes evenly. When mixing, fold the ingredients gently to prevent over-mixing, which can lead to denser cupcakes rather than the light, fluffy texture we're aiming for. Your batter should be just combined, with a few small lumps remaining, ensuring it will rise beautifully in the oven.

Pay attention to the temperature of your ingredients. Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the batter blend more seamlessly, resulting in an even texture. If you're short on time, a quick trick is to place cold eggs in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to bring them to room temperature without waiting too long.

Peanut Butter Filling Tips

For an exceptional peanut butter filling, opt for a creamy variety — it blends with the sugar and butter more smoothly, yielding a luscious center. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using unsweetened natural peanut butter and adjust the powdered sugar accordingly; just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. The freezing step is crucial; it helps the filling hold its shape during baking, preventing it from totally melting into the batter.

If you prefer a crunchier filling, you can mix in some chopped peanuts depending on your taste. Just be sure to chop them finely to maintain a nice consistency when filling the cupcakes, allowing for an unexpected crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chocolate cake.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Peanut Butter Filling

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp butter, softened

For the Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a small bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Freeze the mixture for about 15 minutes to help it firm up.

Fill and Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon a small amount of cupcake batter into each liner, then add a dollop of the peanut butter filling. Top with more batter until the liners are filled about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk and vanilla, until the desired consistency is reached.

Frost and Enjoy

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting. Optionally, you can sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for extra texture. Enjoy your Homemade Reese's Cupcake Surprises!

Pro Tips

For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of espresso powder to the cupcake batter. This will enhance the chocolate taste without adding any coffee flavor.

Decorating Your Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, the frosting is where you can really let your creativity shine. Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip can give your cupcakes a beautiful, professional look. If you prefer a rustic finish, simply spread the frosting with a knife for a more homey appearance. I love adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

For those looking to customize their cupcakes, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting for an even richer experience. Just make sure the chocolate cools slightly before drizzling, so it doesn’t melt the frosting underneath!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cupcakes can be made in advance, making them perfect for celebrations or gatherings. Store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month. To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature before adding the frosting.

The frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it for that ideal fluffy consistency before icing your cupcakes. I often make both components the day before a gathering to save time on the big day!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but natural peanut butter can be more oily, so it may alter the consistency of the filling slightly.

→ How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Absolutely! After frosting, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.