These Butterfinger Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! With a rich chocolate cupcake base, creamy peanut butter frosting filled with crushed Butterfinger candy, and an optional chocolate ganache drizzle, these cupcakes are decadent and fun. They’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something sweet!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chocolate ganache (optional, for drizzle)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the crushed Butterfinger candy pieces, saving some for garnish if desired.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting generously over the top of each cupcake.
Step 6: Garnish with Chocolate and Butterfinger
(Optional) Drizzle the cupcakes with melted chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch. Garnish with additional crushed Butterfinger pieces on top.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature for the smoothest frosting texture. Pair with a cold glass of milk for a truly decadent treat!
- Storage: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost them fresh before serving.
Helpful Notes:
- Ganache Drizzle: To make a simple chocolate ganache, melt ½ cup chocolate chips with ¼ cup heavy cream in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.
- Butterfinger Topping: If you want extra crunch, reserve some larger pieces of Butterfinger to sprinkle on top of the frosting before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Ina Garten: “For a really moist cupcake, don’t overmix your batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet.”
- Christina Tosi: “Adding a touch of salt to your frosting can balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time. Just mix in some crushed Butterfinger candy for the same effect! - Can I substitute a different candy for Butterfinger?
Absolutely! You can use Snickers, Reese’s, or even Crunch bars for a different twist on the classic. - How do I make the cupcakes even more chocolatey?
For extra chocolate flavor, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cupcake batter before baking. - Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. - How do I keep the Butterfinger from getting soggy in the frosting?
Fold the crushed Butterfinger candy into the frosting just before serving to retain its crunch. For added texture, sprinkle more on top right before serving.
These Butterfinger Cupcakes are a fun, candy-inspired dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a deliciously rich way. Whether for a party or just a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit!