Get ready to fall in love with the delightful combination of sweet peaches and creamy frosting with this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are bursting with juicy peach flavor, perfectly moist crumb, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting drizzled with honey for just the right touch of natural sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a little slice of sunshine, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Let’s dive in and make magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the tender crumb created by all-purpose flour and buttermilk to the fresh peaches imparting juicy bursts of flavor, every component is essential to the perfect cupcake experience.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cupcakes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and combines perfectly with the buttermilk for tenderness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a golden crust.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moistness, making the cupcakes delightfully tender.
- 1 cup peach preserves: Brings in concentrated peach sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Essential for the smooth, tangy frosting.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Lightens the frosting for easy spreading and fluffiness.
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches: Adds fresh fruity bits throughout the cupcake.
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzle): A natural finishing touch that enhances the peach flavor.
- Sugar crystals (for garnish): Adds sparkle and a subtle crunch on top.
How to Make Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cupcake tin with paper liners—this simple prep ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out effortlessly. Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to combine all the dry ingredients for a perfectly balanced batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a tender cupcake with a satisfying texture that’s anything but dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step is key for smooth batter mix and stability. Follow that with the vanilla extract—the fragrant essence that gives these cupcakes a warm, inviting character.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together by adding the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cupcakes; a light hand here ensures deliciously moist results.
Step 5: Fold in Peach Goodness
Gently fold in the peach preserves and diced fresh peaches to evenly distribute bursts of juicy sweetness throughout the cupcake batter. This step creates delightful pockets of peach flavor that will make each bite unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full for optimal rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add the milk and continue beating until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting perfectly balances tanginess with sweetness, complementing the peach cupcakes beautifully.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese mixture. Finally, drizzle honey over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with sugar crystals for an elegant sparkle and slight crunch. Your Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
These cupcakes shine as-is, but you can elevate their look and flavor by adding thin fresh peach slices, a sprig of mint, or even a light dusting of cinnamon. The natural sweetness of honey and sugar crystals already provides such a lovely finish, but these subtle touches make them truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe with a light iced tea or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also make delightful accompaniments for a more indulgent dessert spread that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter or a pastel-colored cake stand to highlight their soft hues. Consider wrapping individual cupcakes in decorative cellophane tied with twine or ribbon for gift-giving or party favors. Everyone will be curious about your secret weapon dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps them moist and flavorful, but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving to maintain freshness and frosting quality.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat cupcakes in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds at a time. Avoid heating the cream cheese frosting too much to prevent melting; if desired, remove frosting before warming and add fresh frosting afterward.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
While fresh peaches give the best texture and flavor, canned peaches work as a substitute if drained very well to prevent extra moisture in the batter. Fresh peaches, however, are highly recommended for optimal results in this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe.
Is buttermilk necessary in this recipe?
Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to half a cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but the fabulous peach and cream cheese flavors will still shine through.
How should I store frosted cupcakes if not eating right away?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store the frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This keeps the frosting fresh and prevents spoilage. Just bring the cupcakes to room temperature before serving.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with honey in the batter?
Substituting honey for granulated sugar will add moisture and deepen the flavor, but it also changes the texture and may require adjusting other liquids. Since the recipe already includes honey as a topping, it’s best to stick with sugar for the batter to maintain cupcake structure.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is a true celebration of summer’s sweetest fruit combined with the indulgent creaminess of cheese frosting and the natural sweetness of honey. The balance of flavors and textures makes every bite a joy. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience the simple magic this recipe brings to your baking adventures!
Print
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat combining moist, fluffy cupcakes infused with peach preserves and fresh diced peaches, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting drizzled with honey and garnished with sparkling sugar crystals. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a sweet fruit-infused dessert.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzle)
- Sugar crystals (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined; this will ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give your cupcakes a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to properly incorporate air, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cupcakes.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the peach preserves along with the diced fresh peaches, distributing the fruit evenly without deflating the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting, ensuring the frosting won’t melt.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then add the milk and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each one.
- Decorate: Drizzle each cupcake with honey and sprinkle with sugar crystals for an elegant and sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and tender.
- Fresh peaches add a nice texture contrast; if unavailable, use all peach preserves or canned peaches drained well.
- The cupcakes are best served the same day but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
