These Snickers cupcakes are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet craving, these cupcakes channel the beloved candy bar into a moist and delicious dessert! With a fluffy peanut butter buttercream topping and chunks of Snickers inside, you’ll be reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These cupcakes come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is packed with the classic flavors of Snickers—chocolate, caramel, and peanuts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a cozy night in, these cupcakes will impress everyone.
- Customizable Topping: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add more Snickers bars for extra indulgence.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in decorating these cupcakes; it’s a fun activity that everyone will love!
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Snickers cupcakes, ensure you have the right tools on hand. The following equipment will help you create perfect results every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cupcake Pan
- 12 Cupcake Liners
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Open Star Piping Tip (Wilton 1M)
Importance of Each Tool
- Cupcake Pan: Ensures even baking and perfect cupcake shapes for every treat.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes mixing the batter smooth and effortless, saving time and energy.
- Open Star Piping Tip (Wilton 1M): Allows you to create beautiful swirls of frosting on top of your cupcakes.
Ingredients
These Snickers cupcakes are moist, filled with peanut caramel, and topped with the most delicious peanut butter buttercream! They taste just like our favorite candy bar!!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
– 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
– 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (60g)
– 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
– 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped (75g)
– 3/4 cup water, warm (180g)
– 1 1/2 tsp instant espresso or coffee – optional (3g)
– 1/3 cup milk or dark chocolate chips, melted (60g)
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (30g)
– 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
– 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil (75g)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
– 1 tsp white vinegar (4g)
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (100g)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
– 1/2 tsp baking soda (3g)
– 1/2 tsp fine salt (2g)
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (125g)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
– 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
– 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or a 1 lb. bag)
– 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (80g)
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (95g)
– 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (80g)
– 6 mini Snickers bars, cut in half
– 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped (75g)
How to Make Snickers Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cupcake pan by placing cupcake liners in each slot.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
Cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
Add heavy whipping cream, fine salt, chopped salted peanuts, warm water, instant espresso if using, melted chocolate chips, sifted cocoa powder, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mix until well combined.
Add flour:
1. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Fill Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner until about two-thirds full. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare Peanut Butter Buttercream
In a mixing bowl:
Beat together soft unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a mess.
Once combined:
1. Add heavy whipping cream and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes
Using an open star piping tip:
Pipe generous swirls of peanut butter buttercream onto each cooled cupcake.
Top with half mini Snickers bars and additional chopped salted peanuts for decoration.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delectable Snickers cupcakes!
How to Serve Snickers Cupcakes
Serving Snickers cupcakes can be a delightful experience that enhances their rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of your tasty treats.
Pair with Coffee
- Espresso or Americano: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cupcakes perfectly.
- Cappuccino: The creamy texture of cappuccino adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Add Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the richness of the cupcakes.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this combination elevates the dessert experience.
Garnish Ideas
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A sweet touch that mirrors the flavors in the cupcakes.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a nice contrast to the dense cupcake.
Serve at Events
- Birthday Parties: These cupcakes can be a showstopper at celebrations.
- Potlucks or Gatherings: Share them with friends for an exciting dessert option.
How to Perfect Snickers Cupcakes
To achieve perfect Snickers cupcakes every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Fill Cups Properly: Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full for even baking.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re done baking.
- Cool Before Frosting: Let your cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting to avoid melting.
Best Side Dishes for Snickers Cupcakes
Pairing side dishes with Snickers cupcakes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and echo the chocolate flavor in the cupcakes.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Rich and creamy, these bite-sized desserts complement the textures of Snickers cupcakes well.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Their crunchiness pairs nicely with the soft texture of the cupcakes.
- Mocha Mousse: Light yet decadent, this chocolate treat is a perfect balance for rich desserts.
- Coffee Cake: Offering a different flavor profile, coffee cake makes for a comforting addition to any dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Snickers cupcakes is a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of your cupcakes. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm cupcakes can cause them to fall apart. Allow your Snickers cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure perfect Snickers cupcakes.
Using stale toppings: Fresh peanuts and chocolate make a huge difference in flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for the best toppings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
Freezing Snickers Cupcakes
- Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before placing them in containers.
Reheating Snickers Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place on a stovetop pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Snickers cupcakes, check out these frequently asked questions:
Can I use other types of nuts in Snickers Cupcakes?
Yes! While salted peanuts are traditional, you can substitute with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
How do I make my Snickers Cupcakes more chocolatey?
Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or increase the amount of chocolate chips melted into the batter.
Are Snickers Cupcakes suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make gluten-free Snickers cupcakes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors or have nut allergies.
How do I store leftover frosting?
Store any leftover peanut butter buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Final Thoughts
Snickers cupcakes combine the rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel into every bite. Their moist texture and delightful frosting make them irresistible treats. Feel free to customize with different nuts or add caramel drizzle on top for extra indulgence. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of nostalgia!
Snickers Cupcakes
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Snickers Cupcakes, a delightful creation that captures the beloved candy bar’s rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or satisfying your sweet tooth, each moist cupcake is filled with chunks of Snickers and topped with creamy peanut butter frosting. This easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels, making it fun to create these irresistible treats that are sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy them as a standalone dessert or pair them with coffee for an extraordinary treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 mini Snickers bars (cut in half)
- Peanut butter buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter until fluffy; add heavy cream, salt, chopped peanuts, warm water, cocoa powder, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for about 18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat together softened butter and peanut butter; mix in powdered sugar gradually. Add heavy cream until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and top with half mini Snickers bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
