If you adore desserts that bring a burst of fresh fruit flavor combined with the creamy richness of cheese, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a stunning marriage of juicy peaches sweetened with honey and topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Every bite bursts with moist cake, delightful bits of fresh peach, and a luscious honey drizzle that feels like a sweet hug. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or craving a comforting treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft crumble of the butter-spiked cake to the sweet tang of the cream cheese frosting, every item contributes something deliciously unique.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the fluffy base of the cupcake, ensuring the perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for an even lift and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet components by balancing the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that tender bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add extra moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Makes the cupcakes soft and slightly tangy, balancing sweetness.
- 1 cup peach preserves: Infuses natural peach flavor and fruity sweetness throughout.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, creamy and slightly tangy.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese for frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Lightens the frosting to a luscious, spreadable consistency.
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches: Adds juicy, fresh bites of peach in the batter and as a texture surprise.
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzle): The perfect natural sweetener to enhance the peach flavor on top.
- Sugar crystals (for garnish): Adds a sparkle and a bit of crunch to finish.
How to Make Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start your baking adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tin with paper liners, so cleanup is a breeze. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your cupcakes will be light and rise evenly every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it traps air, which translates into those wonderfully soft and airy cupcakes you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to bring that lovely aromatic warmth the vanilla lends to the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency and avoid overmixing, which can toughen your cupcakes.
Step 5: Fold in Peach Goodness
Now for the magic: carefully fold in the peach preserves and diced fresh peaches. These juicy pieces will distribute sweet fruitiness and moist pockets in every bite, a delightful surprise!
Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake
Scoop your luscious batter into the lined cupcake tin, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then, set them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Decorate
Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then add the milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Once your cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously. Finish by drizzling honey on top and sprinkling with sugar crystals for that gorgeous final touch.
How to Serve Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the honey drizzle and sugar crystals, fresh peach slices or a small sprig of mint can elevate the presentation. These simple accents add fresh color and an inviting look to each cupcake, making them irresistible on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a light cup of herbal tea, iced green tea, or even a fruity sparkling wine to balance the creamy sweetness. A simple fresh fruit salad can also complement the peach flavor perfectly without overshadowing the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cupcakes in clear glass dessert cups with layers of whipped cream and extra peach preserves for a trifle-style treat. For a party, arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand with fresh peach blossoms to make a stunning centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for 3 to 4 days, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cupcakes longer, freeze them without frosting first. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving for fresh-tasting cupcakes any time.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently warm the cupcake in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, but only do this with unfrosted cupcakes to avoid melting. Then add the frosting or honey drizzle fresh for that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, canned peaches can be substituted if fresh are out of season, but make sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter. Fresh peaches add the best texture and flavor though, so they’re preferred when available.
Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
You can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk to create a similar frosting consistency, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing taste.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously moist and tender.
How long do these cupcakes keep at room temperature?
Because these cupcakes contain cream cheese frosting, it’s best not to leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours to ensure food safety and maintain freshness.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! This Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe scales well. Just be sure to use larger mixing bowls and adjust baking times slightly if using a larger pan, checking cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about baking and sharing this Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that brightens any day with its sweet, fresh, and creamy flavors wrapped up in a beautifully moist cupcake. I encourage you to try making these for your next celebration or simply as a special treat to enjoy at home. Your friends and family will thank you for bringing such a delightful and comforting dessert to the table!
Print
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines moist cupcakes infused with peach preserves and fresh diced peaches, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, honey drizzle, and a sprinkle of sugar crystals. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a fruity, creamy dessert with a delicate sweetness.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzle)
- Sugar crystals (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps add air to the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Fruit: Gently fold in the peach preserves and diced fresh peaches to incorporate fruit flavor and texture throughout the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Milk: Add the milk and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cupcake.
- Decorate: Drizzle honey over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with sugar crystals for a sparkling, sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Use fresh ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture in the cupcakes.
- Adjust honey drizzle quantity to taste for a sweeter or lighter finish.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
