There's nothing quite like the sweet aroma of honey and peaches baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort. These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
I first created this recipe during peach season when I had an abundance of ripe, juicy peaches from the farmer’s market. The combination of fresh peaches, smooth cream cheese, and a touch of golden honey resulted in a cupcake that was both light and indulgent. Whether you're baking for a summer picnic, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
Why You'll Love These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make. These cupcakes are the perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors wrapped in a soft, moist cake.
First off, they’re packed with natural sweetness. The combination of honey and peaches means you don’t need an overwhelming amount of sugar to get a deliciously satisfying taste.
They’re also wonderfully moist and fluffy. Thanks to the cream cheese in the batter, these cupcakes have a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh longer than your average cupcake.
The flavor pairing is simply irresistible. Fresh peaches bring a bright, juicy contrast to the richness of the cream cheese, while honey adds a subtle floral sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
Finally, they’re a breeze to make. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a straightforward recipe that delivers bakery-quality results.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect bite.
Fresh peaches are the star of this recipe. Opt for ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and texture. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches (drained and patted dry) or frozen peaches (thawed and chopped) will work just as well.
Honey adds natural sweetness with a hint of floral depth that complements the peaches beautifully. A good-quality, raw honey will give you the best flavor. If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup can be used as a substitute, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
Cream cheese brings richness and a subtle tang to the cupcakes. It not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cake extra moist. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Butter and oil work together to create a perfect cupcake texture. The butter adds a rich flavor, while the oil ensures the cupcakes stay soft and tender. Using both prevents the cupcakes from drying out too quickly.
Cake flour gives these cupcakes a light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with a little cornstarch to achieve a similar effect.
A standard muffin tin and cupcake liners will be needed for baking, along with an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese smoothly into the batter.
How To Make These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Making these cupcakes is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and release easily from the tin.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and honey together until smooth and fluffy. The mixture should be light in color and creamy in texture. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which helps create a soft cupcake.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with a little milk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense.
Gently fold in the chopped peaches, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The peaches should be in small pieces so they don’t sink to the bottom during baking.
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
These cupcakes stay moist and delicious for days, making them perfect for baking ahead of time.
For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days.
To freeze, place the completely cooled cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer a slightly warm cupcake, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about these cupcakes is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs.
If you want a bit of crunch, try adding chopped pecans or almonds to the batter. They pair beautifully with the honey and peaches, adding a delightful texture.
For a slightly tangier twist, swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract. It enhances the nutty flavors and gives the cupcakes a unique depth.
Not a fan of cream cheese in the batter? You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. Both options will still give you a moist cupcake with a slight tang.
To make these cupcakes even more indulgent, top them with a honey cream cheese frosting. Simply beat together cream cheese, honey, and a little powdered sugar until smooth, then spread or pipe it onto the cooled cupcakes.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the cake flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the cupcake’s structure.
No matter how you choose to make them, these Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this recipe your own!
PrintHoney Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
These honey peach cream cheese cupcakes are a heavenly combination of sweet honey, juicy peaches, and creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 tbsp honey
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 cup diced fresh peaches
Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in honey, eggs, and vanilla.
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Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until combined. Fold in diced peaches.
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Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Let cool.
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For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
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Frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
Notes
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Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor.
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Substitute buttermilk with milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar if needed.
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Store cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
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