These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a sweet treat that brings summer vibes to your kitchen! With juicy peaches and creamy frosting, every bite feels like a warm hug from the sun.
I can’t resist how soft and fluffy these cupcakes are, plus the honey adds a lovely twist! Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself (but no judgment here if you eat them all!). 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of these cupcakes! Fresh, ripe peaches give the best flavor and moisture. If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned peaches (drain them well) or substitute with nectarines for a similar taste.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a unique flavor to the cupcakes. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using agave syrup or maple syrup instead. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This ingredient adds moisture and a bit of tanginess. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, substitute it with a vegan butter or coconut oil, but the texture might vary slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Cupcakes Are Perfectly Fluffy?
The key to light and fluffy cupcakes is in the mixing method! Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well—about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cupcakes rise.
- When adding the eggs, mix them in one at a time to maintain the airiness.
- Be careful when incorporating the dry ingredients; mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Folding in the peaches gently helps keep the air bubbles intact while adding that fruity goodness.
How to Make Delicious Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
For the Honey Peach Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup fresh peaches, finely diced or pureed (optional, for flavor and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cupcake recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 18-22 minutes for baking, plus an additional time for cooling. Overall, plan for about 1 hour for everything, and your lovely cupcakes will be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a muffin tin with cupcake liners so they’re ready for the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes and will give your cupcakes a lovely texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor boost!
5. Incorporate Honey and Sour Cream:
Mix in the honey and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until everything is well combined. This will keep the cupcakes moist and flavorful.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding them together gently. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no dry flour.
7. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full to allow for rising.
9. Bake Them:
Pop the cupcakes into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Cupcakes:
Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to get the right texture before frosting!
11. Make the Frosting:
While the cupcakes cool, prepare your frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts!
12. Add the Sugar and Honey:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is fluffy. Then, mix in the honey for sweetness and flavor.
13. Optional Peach Addition:
If you like, fold in the finely diced peaches or swirl in some peach puree for an extra punch of peach flavor!
14. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost! You can either pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top generously. Make them look as beautiful as they taste!
15. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish with a small peach slice or drizzle a little extra honey on top to make them extra special.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes! They’re perfect for any occasion or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon!
FAQ for Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Cupcakes?
To store leftover cupcakes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!
Can I Freeze These Cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cupcakes without the frosting. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or whipped heavy cream combined with a little powdered sugar for a lighter frosting. This will give you a delicious alternative while still being creamy!
