Butterfinger Cupcakes Recipe
These Butterfinger Cupcakes combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the crunchy sweetness of Butterfinger candy pieces. The moist peanut butter cupcakes are topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and a fluffy peanut butter frosting studded with crushed Butterfingers, making for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Peanut Butter Cupcakes:
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons milk, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons water, room temperature
- ½ cup crushed Butterfingers
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 5 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup shortening (or substitute additional butter)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 – 4 tablespoons water or milk
- ¾ cup crushed Butterfingers
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to get ready for baking.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial to develop a fluffy texture.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated for moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate Egg Whites: Add the egg whites in two batches, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another small container, combine milk and water.
- Combine Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet batter and mix. Follow with the milk mixture, then add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing after each addition until well combined.
- Add Crushed Butterfingers: Gently stir in the crushed Butterfingers to add crunchy texture.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and let cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache: Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Heat heavy whipping cream in the microwave until almost boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk until smooth and set aside to cool.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together butter, peanut butter, and shortening until smooth with a mixer. Incorporate about half the powdered sugar until smooth, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or milk and mix well. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix again. Adjust consistency with more liquid if needed.
- Add Butterfingers to Frosting: Fold in the crushed Butterfingers gently to disperse throughout the frosting.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top of each cooled cupcake. Pipe the peanut butter frosting on top using a large round pastry tip for a neat finish.
- Garnish: Top each cupcake with additional crushed Butterfingers and, if desired, a small piece of Butterfinger candy for decoration and extra crunch.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Do not under-mix the sugar and peanut butter during creaming; this ensures fluffier cupcakes.
- Milk and water used at room temperature help prevent curdling and keep batter smooth.
- You can substitute shortening in the frosting with more butter if preferred, but the frosting texture may vary.
- Ensure the ganache cools slightly before spreading to prevent melting the frosting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, substitute semi-sweet chips with bittersweet chocolate chips.
Keywords: Butterfinger cupcakes, peanut butter cupcakes, chocolate ganache cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, peanut butter frosting, candy bar desserts