These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of sweet honey, tangy cream cheese, and juicy peaches. The soft, moist cupcakes are made with real fruit and topped with a luscious honey cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for summer parties, special occasions, or whenever youβre craving a unique treat!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Cream cheese in the batter keeps these cupcakes soft and rich.
- Sweet and Fruity Flavor: Honey and peaches add natural sweetness and a touch of elegance.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A unique twist on classic cupcakes thatβs sure to impress.
- Customizable: Great as-is or paired with your favorite toppings, like fresh peach slices or a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 Β½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for light and fluffy cupcakes.
- 1 Β½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the batter.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a subtle tang.
- ΒΎ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and binds the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- Β½ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a floral note.
- 1 cup diced peaches (fresh or canned, well-drained): Adds bursts of fruity flavor.
For the Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for a creamy and tangy frosting.
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, smooth texture.
- ΒΌ cup honey: Sweetens the frosting naturally.
- 2 Β½ cups powdered sugar: For the perfect frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the honey flavor.
Tools Youβll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Muffin tin and cupcake liners
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or offset spatula for frosting
How to Make Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and honey, mixing until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Peaches
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced peaches with a spatula.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ΒΎ full.
- Bake for 18β22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the honey and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or an offset spatula.
- Garnish with fresh peach slices, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
- Donβt Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Drain Peaches Well: If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10β15 minutes before piping.
Variations
- Peach Cobbler-Inspired Cupcakes: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Peachy: Stir in a tablespoon of peach jam or puree into the frosting for more peach flavor.
What to Serve with Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink to pair with the sweet cupcakes.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of ice cream.
- Fruit Salad: Balance the sweetness with a fresh, juicy fruit salad.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Thaw and drain them completely before using.
Can I skip the honey in the frosting?
You can substitute it with 1β2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, but the honey adds a unique flavor.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake, based on 12 cupcakes)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
Final Thoughts
These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. Whether for a summer celebration or a cozy dessert, theyβre sure to be a hit.
If you try this recipe, Iβd love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos on Instagram or Pinterest, and let me know if you added your own creative twist.
Happy baking! ππ§β¨