Irresistible 7-Step Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes That Everyone Craves

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are one of those desserts that instantly tug at your heartstrings. Just saying the name makes me smile — because this recipe takes me straight back to my childhood kitchen, where PB&J sandwiches were practically a food group.

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are fluffy peanut butter cupcakes, swirled with creamy peanut butter, filled with a glossy strawberry glaze, and crowned with the prettiest strawberry frosting you’ve ever seen. They’re nostalgic, playful, and completely irresistible.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What Are Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes?

These cupcakes are inspired by the classic American PB&J sandwich but dressed up in bakery-style form. Perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, picnics, or when you just need a sweet pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist peanut butter cupcakes
• Real strawberry glaze for that classic “jelly” flavor
• Creamy strawberry frosting that pipes beautifully
• Kid-friendly, party-perfect, and freezer-friendly

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine rich, nutty peanut butter balanced by sweet, fruity strawberry — not too sweet, not too heavy. Every bite feels familiar and exciting at the same time.

Ingredients

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Cupcakes

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (258 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup (184 g) buttermilk, room temperature

Peanut Butter Swirl

• ½ cup (129 g) creamy peanut butter, melted

Strawberry Glaze (Jelly Layer)

• ¾ cup strawberry preserves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Strawberry Frosting

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup strawberry preserves (strained)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools Needed

• Muffin pan
• Cupcake liners
• Stand or hand mixer
• Piping bag and tip

Substitutions & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberry for raspberry or grape preserves
• Use crunchy peanut butter for texture
• Add mini peanut butter cups to the batter

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

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Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Cream the Base

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until silky.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

Step 5: Combine

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix just until combined.

Step 6: Bake

Fill liners ¾ full. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 7: Fill & Frost

Simmer glaze ingredients until thick. Core cupcakes, fill with glaze, frost generously, and swirl melted peanut butter on top.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes

• Cold milk (classic!)
• Strawberry lemonade
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries on the side

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Room-temperature ingredients = smoother batter
• Don’t overmix — keep cupcakes tender
• Strain preserves for ultra-smooth frosting
• Chill frosting briefly for cleaner piping

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature: 1 day
• Refrigerate: up to 4 days
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes: up to 2 months

General Information

PB&J is one of the most iconic American flavor pairings. Turning it into cupcakes makes it celebration-worthy while keeping that comforting nostalgia alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jelly instead of preserves?

Yes, but preserves offer better flavor and texture.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely — bake cupcakes a day ahead and frost before serving.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir well — separation can affect texture.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes are joyful, nostalgic, and downright delicious. If you love peanut butter desserts, try these next:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  https://poulef.com/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
  https://poulef.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-bars/

Interactive Elements

Leave a review below if you loved these!
Share your cupcakes on Pinterest and tag me https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbs	48g
Sugar	32g
Protein	8g
Sodium	220mg

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