Reese’s Cupcakes

Reese’s Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With their rich flavors and creamy textures, these delightful cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner. The best part? They come together quickly with just six simple ingredients, making them an easy and satisfying dessert option.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Reese’s Cupcakes
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
• Step 3: Add Reese’s Mini Cups
• Step 4: Fill Cupcake Liners
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Make the Frosting
• Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes
• How to Serve Reese’s Cupcakes
• With Ice Cream
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Decorated with Chocolate Drizzle
• Garnished with Nuts
• On a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Reese’s Cupcakes
• Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Cupcakes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Reese’s Cupcakes
• Reheating Reese’s Cupcakes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make gluten-free Reese’s Cupcakes?
• Can I use different types of chocolate?
• What pairs well with Reese’s Cupcakes?
• How should I decorate my Reese’s Cupcakes?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only six ingredients, you can whip up these cupcakes in no time.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake and peanut butter frosting creates an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, these cupcakes suit any event.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy both making and eating these delicious cupcakes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using a box cake mix simplifies preparation and reduces cleanup time.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Reese’s Cupcakes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps keep everything contained while you mix your ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer speeds up the process of blending your frosting, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
• Cupcake pan: A good-quality cupcake pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

With only 6 ingredients these are quick and easy to make. If you love Reese’s, you’ll definitely enjoy these.

For the Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
• 10.5 ounces Reese’s Miniature Cups (1 “share pack” size package)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (as needed to thin the frosting)

How to Make Reese’s Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the ingredients specified on the box.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Reese’s Mini Cups

Fold in chopped Reese’s Miniature Cups. This will give your cupcakes bursts of peanut butter goodness.

Step 4: Fill Cupcake Liners

1. Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Pour the batter into each liner until they are about two-thirds full.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, peanut butter, and confectioners’ sugar.
2. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired frosting consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with your creamy peanut butter frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Cupcakes!

How to Serve Reese’s Cupcakes

Reese’s Cupcakes are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their chocolate and peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dessert night, these serving suggestions will make your cupcakes even more enjoyable.

With Ice Cream

• Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side for a classic pairing.
• Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Try serving with chocolate chip ice cream for an extra chocolatey experience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Dollop of Whipped Cream: A simple dollop can add a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Infuse your whipped cream with vanilla or chocolate for extra flavor.

Decorated with Chocolate Drizzle

• Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can take your cupcakes to the next level.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Make it even more indulgent by drizzling melted peanut butter on top.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Crushed Reese’s Cups: For true fans, add crushed mini Reese’s cups as a decorative topping.

On a Dessert Platter

• Cupcake Tower: Arrange your cupcakes on a tiered platter for an impressive display at any gathering.
• Themed Dessert Table: Incorporate them into a themed dessert table alongside other treats for variety.

How to Perfect Reese’s Cupcakes

To ensure your Reese’s Cupcakes turn out just right, consider these helpful tips when baking and decorating.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to maintain lightness in the cupcakes.
• Check for Doneness Early: Begin checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the suggested bake time to avoid overcooking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cupcakes to cool fully so that the frosting doesn’t melt off when applied.
• Experiment with Frosting Thickness: Adjust the amount of milk in your frosting to achieve your desired consistency, whether thick or thin.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with Reese’s Cupcakes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their rich flavors well.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Indulge further with strawberries dipped in chocolate—perfect for chocolate lovers!
3. Mini Cheesecakes: Light and creamy mini cheesecakes offer a nice contrast without overpowering flavors.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend bananas with peanut butter for a creamy drink that pairs beautifully.
5. Vanilla Pudding Cups: These soft, creamy cups provide an excellent texture contrast to the cupcakes.
6. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet popcorn adds crunch and is fun to munch on while enjoying dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Reese’s Cupcakes is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Always use softened butter and room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, which is not what you want for light and airy treats.
• Not Measuring Properly: Use precise measurements for the ingredients, especially the peanut butter and sugar. Accurate measurements ensure balance in flavors and texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the icing to melt off.
• Using Old Ingredients: Check the expiration dates on your baking supplies, especially the cake mix. Fresh ingredients yield better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Reese’s Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Reese’s Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Reese’s Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcakes on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it can dry them out.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This method adds moisture back into the cupcakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Reese’s Cupcakes.

How do I make gluten-free Reese’s Cupcakes?

You can substitute regular chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile in your Reese’s Cupcakes.

What pairs well with Reese’s Cupcakes?

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk, enhancing their rich peanut butter flavor.

How should I decorate my Reese’s Cupcakes?

Consider topping them with crushed Reese’s Miniature Cups or drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Cupcakes are an easy yet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. Their rich peanut butter flavor combined with chocolate makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding toppings or mixing in more candy pieces for added fun!