Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

I didn't like peanut butter until a few months ago.... I don't know what I was thinking! Lately I have been into putting peanut butter on fruit, even vegetables! (celery, carrots) So naturally, I thought it was time to try peanut butter with chocolate. I'm pretty happy with the result.

For the chocolate cupcakes you will need:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup canola/vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream/Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

First, sift or whisk any big clumps in your mix. This helps insure a smooth, clump-free batter. Then, add the other ingredients and mix until well incorporated.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, just add a teaspoon of lemon juice and fill the rest up with milk.

Bake the cupcakes at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
(makes 20-24 cupcakes)

For the ganache, you will need:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

First, place the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a bowl and set aside. Heat the whipping cream in a microwave for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to get bubbly.  Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and peanut butter and stir until it looks like this:

Take your cooled cupcakes and spoon some ganache on top. Take the bottom of the spoon and smooth it out.

Now... the frosting. This frosting is like creamy peanut butter clouds. It's sooo good.

You will need:

• 2 sticks butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)

Cream together the butter/margarine and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well incorporated. 

Pipe or spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes when the ganache is cooled. 

For the toppers, take a square pretzel and spread some peanut butter on top. Take another pretzel and put it on top. Then, dip it it ganache.  

If you make these cupcakes, I would love to see! Post them on instagram using the hashtag #petitebakeress

Happy Baking!

Ashley