If you’re searching for the ultimate summertime treat, look no further than Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Imagine soft, golden cupcakes bursting with juicy peaches and honey, finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite sings with fruity sweetness and just a hint of floral honey, making these cupcakes the star of any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, party, or simply to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen, these cupcakes will become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking these Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes is pure joy, thanks to a lineup of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect tender crumb, luscious frosting, and signature juicy peach flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cupcakes, ensuring they’re light yet sturdy enough to hold those succulent peaches.
- Baking powder: Gives your cupcakes an irresistible lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy flavors by balancing out the sugar and honey.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a velvety crumb—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base of the cupcakes while keeping them moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and bring structure and tenderness to every bite.
- Honey: Infuses the cupcakes and frosting with subtle floral notes that pair beautifully with peaches.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aroma and makes the peach and honey flavors sing.
- Whole milk: Contributes to the moist, delicate texture that makes homemade cupcakes unforgettable.
- Fresh peaches (peeled and finely diced): The star ingredient—delivers bursts of juiciness in every bite. (Canned or frozen peaches work too!)
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that contrasts perfectly with the sweet cake.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it achieve that dreamy smooth texture.
- Extra diced or sliced peaches for garnish: The finishing touch, giving each cupcake a fresh, summery look.
How to Make Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove later—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step gives your cupcakes a light, even crumb because the leavener is distributed from the start. Set this bowl aside—you’ll add it in stages soon!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a touch paler in color—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. That fluffy texture is going to translate into gorgeously tender cupcakes.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Honey, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Mix in the honey and vanilla extract, bringing out all those lovely floral and aromatic notes central to Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and whole milk to your creamed butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently and not overbeating—this keeps your cupcakes soft and airy.
Step 6: Fold in the Peaches
Gently fold in the finely diced peaches using a spatula. Every cupcake will have juicy peach pieces in the center, making each bite exciting! If you’re using canned or frozen peaches, just make sure to drain any excess juice first.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your lined cupcake tin, filling each one about two-thirds full for a perfect rise. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack—it’s crucial to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, make your dreamy cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla extract on medium speed until irresistibly smooth and creamy. This sweet-tangy frosting is what makes Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes seriously unforgettable.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread a generous layer of frosting onto each. Finish by garnishing with extra diced or sliced peaches—for an extra bit of flair, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of toasted pecans.
How to Serve Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Garnishes
Dress up your finished cupcakes with even more fresh peaches—thin slices fanned out, tiny dice sprinkled over, or even a candied peach wedge for extra sparkle. A light drizzle of honey or a handful of toasted pecans brings a lovely crunch and visual contrast, too.
Side Dishes
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with summer berry salads, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cold glass of sweet iced tea. For brunch, serve alongside a fruit platter or tangy yogurt parfaits to keep things fresh and seasonal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by stacking cupcakes on a tiered stand, or serve them in mason jars for adorable picnic-friendly treats. For parties, consider mini cupcakes with peach slices on cocktail picks or a cupcake board with fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting stays creamy and the cake keeps its moisture, especially when kept cool, so you can enjoy the same delicious texture even a couple days later.
Freezing
If you want to freeze cupcakes for later, it’s best to freeze the unfrosted cakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding your cream cheese frosting and peach garnish just before serving.
Reheating
To bring refrigerated or thawed cupcakes back to their freshest state, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This lets the cake regain its soft texture and ensures your cream cheese frosting is smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned or frozen peaches work well in Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes—just be sure to drain canned peaches thoroughly and pat dry, or thaw and drain frozen peaches to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cupcake texture.
Why do my cupcakes sink in the middle?
Sinking cupcakes can happen if they’re underbaked, or if there’s too much wet filling. Always check doneness with a toothpick, and fold peaches gently so the batter doesn’t get too wet.
Is it okay to prepare the cupcakes a day ahead?
Yes, baking ahead is great! Store the baked and frosted Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes in the fridge until ready to serve. Adding fresh peach garnish right before serving keeps them looking fresh and vibrant.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
For a thicker, pipeable cream cheese frosting, add a little more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure the cream cheese is well chilled before whipping it up too.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free. The flavor and tenderness of Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes still shine!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to welcome summer flavors into your kitchen, Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are simply irresistible. Each bite is a celebration of juicy peaches, golden cake, and creamy frosting—truly the best way to share sweetness with the people you love. Try baking a batch and see just how quickly they disappear!
Print
Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet peaches and creamy frosting with these Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Perfect for a summer treat or any time you crave a fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 cup finely diced fresh peaches (peeled)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Extra diced peaches or peach slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in honey and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, then gently fold in diced peaches.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes. Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, honey, and vanilla until smooth. Frost cooled cupcakes and garnish with peaches.
Notes
- Use canned or frozen peaches as a substitute if fresh peaches are not available, ensuring they are well-drained.
- For added texture, consider folding in finely chopped toasted pecans into the batter or using them as a topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
