Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue Frosting

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cupcakes with Toasted Meringue Frosting.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven warms up, line 14 muffin cups with paper liners to prepare for your delicious cupcakes.

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will be the base of your cupcakes, so make sure it's well combined.

3. Step 3

   Next, add in the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until everything is just combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and mix well until smooth and creamy.

4. Step 4

   Now, reduce the mixer speed back to low and carefully pour in the boiling water. This step is crucial as it helps to create a moist cupcake. Increase the speed to medium and beat the mixture for about a minute until it's well blended.

5. Step 5

   Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter, then place a miniature peanut butter cup in the center of each. This hidden treasure will melt into a delightful surprise as the cupcakes bake!

6. Step 6

   Bake your cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden and spring back when lightly pressed. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Step 7

   While the cupcakes are cooling, it's time to make the frosting. Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 1 cup of sugar until just combined. Pour this mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring gently.

8. Step 8

   Return the egg mixture to the bowl and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy meringue that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate cupcakes.

9. Step 9

   To add a delicious peanut butter flavor to your frosting, place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's thin and creamy. Gently fold the melted peanut butter into the whipped egg whites until well combined.

10. Step 10

    Transfer the peanut butter meringue frosting into a piping bag and pipe it generously onto the cooled cupcakes. For a finishing touch, toast the frosted cupcakes under the preheated broiler for about 1 minute, or until they are lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

11. Step 11

    Once toasted, let the cupcakes cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these decadent treats with family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!