Introduction to Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Peaches & Cream Cupcakes are the perfect treat for young professionals looking to impress at gatherings or simply unwind after a long day. With the delightful combination of moist, peach-filled cupcakes topped with fluffy whipped cream, these are more than just a dessert—they're an experience!
Imagine coming home after a hectic day at work and treating yourself to one of these homemade delights, reminiscent of summer picnics and sunshine. The cupcakes are not only delicious but also easy to make. In just a few steps, you can whip up a batch that will leave your friends and family raving. Plus, using seasonal fruits like peaches adds a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates your baking game.
Why Peaches & Cream Cupcakes are Perfect for Young Professionals
Balancing a busy career and a social life can be challenging, but baking these cupcakes is surprisingly simple and rewarding. They allow you to channel your creativity without demanding too much time.
- Quick and Easy: Most of the preparation can be done in under an hour, making them ideal for a last-minute gathering.
- Impressive Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet peaches create a flavor profile that's both comforting and refined.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to match your taste and make each batch unique.
With Peaches & Cream Cupcakes in your recipe repertoire, you'll be ready to impress without the stress!
Ingredients for Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Baking up a batch of Peaches & Cream Cupcakes is not only a fun kitchen project but also a delightful treat that will impress your friends and family. The secret to their deliciousness lies in using quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cupcakes
- Unsalted brown butter: ½ cup, melted (how to make brown butter)
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (homemade vanilla extract)
- Cake flour: 1 ½ cups (find cake flour here)
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Kosher salt: ¼ teaspoon (purchase kosher salt)
- Milk: ½ cup
Spiced Peaches
- Peaches: 2 cups, fresh or frozen
- Light brown sugar: ¼ cup
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (shop for cornstarch)
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Kosher salt: a pinch (get kosher salt here)
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Heavy whipping cream: 2 cups
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon (homemade vanilla extract)
- Flavorless powdered gelatin: 2 teaspoons (purchase gelatin)
- Water: 2 tablespoons
These simple yet high-quality ingredients will be the key to your delightful cupcakes, making every bite a sweet, creamy delight!
Preparing Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Creating delightful Peaches & Cream Cupcakes is an enjoyable activity that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and offers a tasty treat at the end! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you have everything you need for success. Let’s dive in!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes:
For the Cupcakes:
- ½ cup unsalted brown butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup milk
For the Spiced Peaches:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peaches
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A pinch of kosher salt
For the Stabilized Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons flavorless powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water
Make sure you have everything on hand, as it makes the baking process smoother!
Make the Spiced Peaches
To start, prepare your spiced peaches. Slice the peaches thinly and add them to a small pot along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and the sauce thickens. Once done, let them cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend the brown butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
Next, gradually stir in half of the flour mixture, followed by the milk, and finally, the rest of the flour. The batter will be thin. Pour around ¼ cup of this batter into each cupcake liner and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Bake the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Make sure they’re completely cool before moving to the next step.
Create the Stabilized Whipped Cream
To make your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes extra special, let’s prepare the stabilized whipped cream. Spritz the gelatin in a small bowl with water and allow it to sit for a few minutes before microwaving it for 5-10 seconds, just until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Next, in your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until soft peaks form, then reduce to low speed while you slowly add the gelatin mixture. Turn it up high again until you reach stiff peaks.
Assemble Your Cupcakes
Now, it’s time to put everything together! Use a cupcake corer (or a knife) to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake, then fill the hole with your delicious spiced peaches. Top each cupcake generously with your stabilized whipped cream, decorating with more peach slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
And there you have it! Your delightful Peaches & Cream Cupcakes are ready to share (or savor all by yourself). Enjoy every bite!
Variations on Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Peach and Almond Cupcakes
Looking to elevate your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes? Consider adding a hint of almond! Simply replace part of the vanilla extract with almond extract for an aromatic twist. You can also mix some chopped almonds into your cupcake batter or sprinkle them on top of your whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
Peach Cobbler Cupcakes
If you love classic peach cobbler, these cupcakes are for you! Incorporate a crumbly topping by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, then sprinkle it over the cupcakes before baking. This will give them that delicious cobbler crunch while still delivering the creamy peach flavor you adore. For a comforting experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
These variations will definitely impress your friends and family!
Baking Tips for Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Achieving the Perfect Brown Butter
To ensure your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes have that nutty richness, it's crucial to brown your butter just right. Melt it over medium heat while stirring constantly. Look for those brown specks forming at the bottom and a delightful nutty aroma. Remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning, and transfer it to a different bowl to cool completely. This step adds a deep flavor that elevates your cupcakes!
Ensuring Fluffy Whipped Cream
For that cloud-like frosting, cold heavy cream is your best friend. Ensure both the mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping. Start on low speed, gradually increasing to medium, and watch for soft peaks. Incorporating the dissolved gelatin at the right moment helps stabilize the whipped cream, making it perfect for piping. This technique will keep your frosting light, airy, and utterly irresistible!
Serving Suggestions for Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Pairing with Fresh Fruit
To make your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes even more delightful, serve them with a side of fresh, sliced peaches or a vibrant fruit salad. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cupcakes. This complementary fruit pairing not only elevates the presentation but also balances the cupcake's sweetness.
Enhancing with Ice Cream
For those special occasions, consider topping your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or peach ice cream. This creamy addition takes indulgence to another level, creating a match made in dessert heaven! If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for extra decadence. Your guests won't be able to resist!
Time Breakdown for Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Preparation time
Get ready for fun! You’ll need about 25 minutes to prepare everything, including slicing your peaches and mixing the cupcake batter.
Baking time
Baking those delicious cupcakes will take approximately 18-22 minutes. You can use this time to clean up your kitchen or get your favorite beverage!
Cooling time
Patience is key! Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, which generally takes about 30-45 minutes on a wire rack.
Total time
From start to finish, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes creating these delightful Peaches & Cream Cupcakes. Perfect for a baking session on a weekend afternoon or for impressing guests during a gathering!
Remember, these cupcakes taste best when served at room temperature!
Nutritional Facts for Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
When indulging in these delightful Peaches & Cream Cupcakes, you'll want to keep an eye on their nutritional profile. Here's what you need to know:
Calories per serving
Each cupcake contains approximately 397 calories, making it a rich treat perfect for special occasions.
Sugar content
With 29 grams of sugar, these cupcakes bring a sweet burst of flavor, largely from the peaches and whipped cream.
Protein
Every serving offers around 4 grams of protein, thanks to the eggs and milk, adding a bit of nutritional balance to your treat.
These cupcakes blend deliciously with fresh fruits for a tasty dessert option. Be sure to enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee!
FAQs about Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work wonderfully in this Peaches & Cream Cupcakes recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to your spiced peach filling to avoid excess moisture in your cupcakes.
How long will the cupcakes last?
These delightful cupcakes can last up to three days when stored properly. However, for the best flavor and texture, they’re scrumptious when enjoyed fresh.
What’s the best way to store them?
To keep your Peaches & Cream Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you're planning to top them with fresh peaches, save that step for just before serving to maintain their crispiness. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving for the best taste.
If you have more questions or need tips, feel free to reach out! Happy baking!
Conclusion on Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
These Peaches & Cream Cupcakes are not just a treat; they're a delightful experience! With a warm, spiced peach filling and creamy whipped topping, they capture the essence of summer in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack, give them a try today!
Peaches & Cream Cupcakes
Equipment
- cupcake pan
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- Microwave
- standing mixer
- piping bag
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- ½ cup unsalted brown butter melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup milk
Spiced Peaches
- 2 cups peaches fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch kosher salt
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons flavorless powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Spiced Peaches
- Thinly slice the peaches (and peel if desired) and add to a small pot. Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until the peaches soften and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12 cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the brown butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until combined.
- Stir in about half of the flour mixture. Then stir in the milk and the rest of the flour mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake liner (they should be about halfway full). Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
- Use a cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake, then fill with about 2 teaspoons of spiced peaches.
Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Add the water to a microwave safe bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top. Allow to sit for a few minutes.
- Transfer the gelatin mixture to the microwave and microwave for 5-10 seconds, until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it starts to thicken and soft peaks form.
- Slowly pour in the gelatin mixture and mix on low until well combined. Increase the mixer to medium speed and continue mixing until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the stabilized whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip and pipe swirls on each cupcake.
- Top with sliced peaches and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Leave a Reply