Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all in a soft, fluffy cupcake. These cupcakes are perfect for a summer dessert or any occasion when you want something sweet and indulgent.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 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
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches (about 1 medium peach)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the honey and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced peaches, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
2. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the honey and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tiny bit of milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
- Optionally, top with additional diced peaches or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy the Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes as a sweet treat for family gatherings, picnics, or as a simple dessert after dinner!
Tips:
- For an extra peachy flavor, you can add a few teaspoons of peach puree to the cupcake batter or the frosting.
- If you don’t have fresh peaches, you can use canned or frozen peaches, but be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
These cupcakes are a delicious combination of sweet, fruity, and creamy, with a delightful honey flavor that ties everything together!