These Moist Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a real treat! With sweet peaches and creamy frosting, they are perfect for any occasion.
What I love most is that these cupcakes are super fluffy and just the right amount of sweet. You can smell the yummy peach aroma as they bake—it’s like a hug in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: These cupcakes shine with the flavor of fresh peaches. If they aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (drained and chopped) or even fruit preserves for a peachy flavor.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and moisture. If you want a vegan option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead. They will provide similar results!
Sour Cream: Sour cream keeps the cupcakes moist. Greek yogurt works well too and adds a bit of protein. You could also use buttermilk if you have some on hand.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture you want. If you’re looking for lower fat options, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, though it might be a bit softer.
How Do I Make Sure Cupcakes Stay Moist?
Keeping your cupcakes moist requires a few simple techniques. First, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour—this can lead to dense cupcakes. Gently fold in the peach pieces at the end for a lighter texture.
- Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid too much flour, which can dry them out.
- Keep an eye on baking time. The toothpick should come out clean but slightly damp for moist cupcakes.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting; this helps maintain their moisture.
Moist 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 baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ¾ cup finely chopped fresh peaches (about 1 medium peach)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh peach slices
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling and frosting. Overall, plan for about 1 hour to get everything done before you’re ready to enjoy them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy cupcakes. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a tender cupcake!
4. Add Eggs & Honey:
Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the honey and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until everything is nicely combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
It’s time to mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture! Slowly add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; try not to overmix to keep those cupcakes tender.
6. Fold in Peaches:
Take your finely chopped fresh peaches and gently fold them into the batter with a spatula. This will add sweetness and flavor to each bite!
7. Fill Cupcake Liners & Bake:
Now it’s time to fill your cupcake liners! Divide the batter evenly, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch them rise and turn lovely golden brown!
8. Cool:
Remove your cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
9. Make the Frosting:
While your cupcakes cool, let’s whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Finally, add the honey and vanilla extract, and mix until it’s fluffy and delicious.
10. Frost Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s frosting time! Generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. Make them look as pretty as they taste!
11. Garnish:
Top each cupcake with a fresh slice of peach. If you like, you can also drizzle a little honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
These cupcakes are the perfect balance of moist, sweet honey, and juicy peaches, all topped with a creamy frosting. Enjoy a bite of summer in every cupcake!
FAQ for Moist Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and folding them into the batter. This will help maintain the cupcakes’ moisture without making the batter too wet.
How Can I Make These Cupcakes Gluten-Free?
If you want to make these cupcakes gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that the remaining ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination!
Can I Store These Cupcakes at Room Temperature?
For the best quality, it’s best to store these cupcakes in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. They will last up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’d like to eat them at room temperature, just let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Frosting?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with 2 ½ cups of powdered sugar, taste, and then gradually add more if needed. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of salt, which can enhance the flavors without boosting the sugar levels!
