Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful blend of soft, moist cake with a creamy, honey-sweetened filling. These cupcakes offer a luscious combination of ripe peaches, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of honey that creates the perfect balance of flavors. The added touch of peach preserves and sour cream gives the cupcakes a rich, tender texture that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. The delicate flavors of honey and peach come together beautifully, and the cream cheese filling adds a decadent layer of richness that takes these cupcakes to the next level. The combination of sweet and tangy, with the moist texture and perfect balance of flavors, makes these cupcakes a standout dessert. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile—ideal for picnics, parties, or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea. If you love peach desserts and cream cheese treats, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Peach preserves
• Cream cheese
• Honey

Variations

1. Peach Cobbler Cupcakes: Add a crumble topping made of flour, butter, and brown sugar to give these cupcakes a cobbler-inspired texture.
2. Cinnamon Peach Cupcakes: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter to enhance the flavor with a warm, spiced note.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
4. Peach Muffins: Omit the cream cheese filling for a simpler muffin version of these cupcakes.
5. Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly version of these cupcakes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Peach Preserves

Mix in the sour cream and peach preserves until fully combined, ensuring the batter is smooth and well-mixed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and honey until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cupcakes

Spoon a small amount of batter into each cupcake liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Add a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with another spoonful of batter to seal the cream cheese filling inside.

Step 9: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps to create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
• Use Fresh Peach Preserves: The quality of peach preserves can make a big difference. Choose a high-quality preserve for the best flavor.
• Keep the Cream Cheese Filling Cold: Refrigerate the cream cheese filling until you’re ready to use it. This helps it stay firm when added to the batter.

How to Serve

These cupcakes are perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day. Serve them as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or bring them to a party or potluck as a crowd-pleasing dessert. The honey peach flavor is light and refreshing, making these cupcakes perfect for warm weather gatherings. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling.

Freezing

To freeze the cupcakes, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To enjoy the cupcakes warm, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of peach preserves?

Yes, you can use fresh chopped peaches, but be sure to cook them down a bit to avoid too much moisture in the batter.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, these cupcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will even improve overnight.

3. Can I make the cream cheese filling without honey?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with powdered sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness level.

4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, these cupcakes freeze well. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

5. How can I make these cupcakes vegan?

To make these cupcakes vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free cream cheese.

6. Can I add nuts to these cupcakes?

Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts would make a lovely addition to the batter or as a topping.

7. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream and will still provide the moist texture.

8. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

9. Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, you can make mini cupcakes by reducing the baking time to 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. Can I use a different fruit preserve?

Yes, you can use other fruit preserves like apricot, strawberry, or raspberry if you prefer a different flavor.

Conclusion

These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that will have everyone asking for more. The moist cake paired with the rich cream cheese filling is a treat for the taste buds, while the peach preserves add a refreshing fruity touch. These cupcakes are ideal for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite dessert in your baking collection.

Print