These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a sweet delight! The fluffy cupcake is filled with juicy peach pieces and topped with creamy, dreamy frosting. 🍑
When I bake these, the warm kitchen smells heavenly! They’re perfect for summer parties or when you need a little treat. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is a staple in most cupcake recipes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches bring a beautiful flavor. If they’re out of season, canned peaches can work in a pinch—just make sure they’re drained and chopped. Frozen peaches are another option; just thaw and pat dry before using.
Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt: Both add moistness. You can substitute with buttermilk or even a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. It’s all about keeping that cupcake delightful and fluffy!
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still gives that creamy taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Cupcakes Are Perfectly Fluffy?
Achieving light and fluffy cupcakes requires attention to mixing and baking times. Here are some easy steps to follow:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, so it creams well with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Just stir until combined to keep air in the batter.
- Be precise with your baking time! Use a toothpick to test doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Let them cool completely before frosting; this avoids a melty mess!
Enjoy baking and relishing these delightful cupcakes!
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp honey
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: small peach slices or a drizzle of honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare the cupcakes and frosting, plus an additional 18-22 minutes for baking. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting, which can take about 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour to make these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This will help keep your cupcakes nice and tidy while they bake!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream and Honey:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and honey, and then add this mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently to combine.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix as this can make the cupcakes dense.
7. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches, distributing them evenly 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 muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. Once done, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cupcakes are cooling, make your frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Add Sugar and Flavorings:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Then mix in the honey and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Adjust the sweetness if desired by adding more powdered sugar.
12. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula or piping bag to make it extra pretty!
13. Garnish:
For a lovely touch, garnish your cupcakes with thin slices of fresh peach or a light drizzle of honey, if you like.
14. Enjoy!
Serve these delightful Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes fresh for the best flavor and texture. They’re sure to impress everyone!
Happy baking! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your batter. Fresh peaches are preferred for their flavor, but canned will work in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend freshness for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Freeze These Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost them prior to serving.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese Frosting?
If you’re looking for a different frosting option, you can try a whipped buttercream or even a vanilla glaze. Just combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you reach your desired consistency for a simple alternative!
