Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

I don't think I can use the name "Reese's" although that is what tops off these delicious cupcakes! I made these for a co-workers birthday after I asked him what his favorite kind of cake was. He said he did not know, so I asked "What's your favorite kind of candy?" to which he replied, "Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!". My response? "Done and DONE!"

I got the basic recipe for milk chocolate cupcakes by searching on google! I know it's pretty simple, but most cake recipes are the same! This one is easy to follow and they taste great! The Peanut Butter Frosting recipe comes from one of my favorite Food Network stars Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa). Another easy to follow recipe, but watch out if you have leftover frosting...you won't have it for long! I was eating it by the spoonful!!



Milk Chocolate Cupcakes:

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full.
3.Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.

"Barefoot Contessa's" Peanut Butter Frosting:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream

1. Place the confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl .
2. Mix on medium-low speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as you work.
3. Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and smooth.

And don't forget you can top it off with a peanut butter cup or even chopped nuts!

They were a hit with the birthday boy (he ate 7 and brought 2 home) and the rest of the Starbucks crew!! Who are you going to make them for??