Description
These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful summer dessert featuring moist cupcakes infused with sweet honey and juicy peaches, topped with a rich and fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat to celebrate the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh or canned peaches, peeled and finely chopped
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup diced peaches for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the leavening agents and salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender crumb for the cupcakes.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the honey and vanilla extract to infuse sweetness and aroma.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the finely chopped peaches to ensure even distribution without deflating the batter.
- Fill cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them with the cream cheese mixture and optionally top with diced peaches for a fresh, decorative touch.
Notes
- For a smoother frosting, chill the cupcakes before applying it to help the frosting set better.
- Canned peaches can be used if fresh peaches are unavailable—just ensure they are well-drained to avoid sogginess in the batter.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter to add an extra warm spice flavor that complements the peaches.
