PB&J Cupcakes

Here it is, just as I promised. The second recipe in a two-part series on cupcakes. I will admit, I am not a big peanut butter and jelly girl, but I think even I would love these delicious bites! Cupcake Master Stacie said they were met with rave reviews by husband, sister, and colleagues...next time, I am hoping I am included in her cupcake groupies...hint, hint ;0)

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes
Originally from Peanut Butter and Jelly Co.

1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk (I did use 2% milk since that is what we use)
3/4 cup strawberry jam (I didn't measure this-I just put approx a teaspoon of jam in the center)
2 cups Peanut Butter Frosting (recipe will follow)

Makes 1 dozen cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with paper baking cups.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the milk. Slowly add the flour mixture and combine until the batter is uniform. Do not overmix.

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Drop a tablespoon of the jam in the center of each cupcake and then top with more batter so they are a little more than three-quarters full.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cupcakes spring back when touched lightly. Let them cool completely before icing with Peanut Butter Frosting.

Peanut Butter Frosting
1-1/4 cups (2-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth)
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp whole milk (I used 2% here also)

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the butter and peanut butter together. Add the confectioners' sugar, salt, and then the milk. Add additional tablespoons of milk or sugar to loosen or tighten the icing, respectively. For best results, use immediately.