These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a sweet treat that puts a smile on your face. Soft and fluffy, they combine fruity peaches and creamy cheese for a delicious bite!
Baking these cupcakes feels like a hug in the kitchen. I love topping them with a little extra peach slice—it’s like a mini fruit party on each cupcake! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is used for the cupcakes’ structure. If you need a gluten-free option, consider a gluten-free baking blend instead. Just ensure it has binding agents for better results!
Peaches: Fresh peaches add delightful flavor, but you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are unavailable. Just drain and pat them dry to avoid adding extra moisture. I sometimes mix in blueberries for a twist!
Honey: This is a sweetener that enhances flavor. If you’re looking for a vegan substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup will work well, though the taste will vary slightly.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, you need softened cream cheese for a smooth texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese for a similar taste and consistency.
How Do You Get Soft, Fluffy Cupcakes?
Achieving soft and fluffy texture is all about mixing technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this can take a few minutes. It’ll incorporate air, which makes the cupcakes rise!
- Be careful not to over-mix the batter once you’ve added the flour. Mix just until combined to keep cupcakes tender.
Following these tips will give you light and airy cupcakes every time!
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup diced fresh peaches (peeled if desired)
- 2 tbsp honey
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Thin peach slices or small peach cubes
- Optional: honey drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cupcake recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 22 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool completely before frosting, which can take another 20 minutes. So, overall, you’ll be looking at approximately 1 hour for the whole process but trust me, it’s worth every second!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help your cupcakes bake evenly and make serving easy!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s an important step for fluffy cupcakes!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the eggs are well incorporated, blend in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, you’ll alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cupcakes nice and tender!
6. Fold in Peaches:
Gently fold the diced peaches and honey into the batter using a spatula. This will distribute the yummy peach flavor throughout the cupcakes!
7. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Now, divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows space for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.
8. Bake:
Pop the cupcake tray into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes!
9. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this will ensure they’re ready for frosting!
10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cupcakes are cooling, let’s make the cream cheese frosting! Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Then gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until fluffy.
11. Mix in Honey and Vanilla:
Finally, mix in the honey and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. You should have a deliciously sweet frosting ready to go!
12. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to make it pretty!
13. Garnish and Serve:
To make your cupcakes extra special, garnish each cupcake with a thin slice of peach or small peach cubes. If you like, you can drizzle a little honey on top for an added touch of sweetness.
14. Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your sweet Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Each bite is a delightful mix of fluffy cupcake, creamy frosting, and juicy peaches. Yum!
FAQs About Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! Canned peaches will work fine in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to reduce excess moisture. This way, your cupcakes will stay fluffy!
How Can I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the frosting from getting too soft, it’s best to keep them refrigerated, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Make These Cupcakes Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results. Just make sure it includes binding agents like xanthan gum for best texture.
How Can I Make the Cupcakes Sweeter?
If you’d like a sweeter cupcake, you can increase the sugar in the cupcake batter by a couple of tablespoons. Alternatively, you can also add more honey to the frosting for an extra touch of sweetness!
