There's nothing quite like the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches paired with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes bring that delightful combination to life in the form of a moist, tender cupcake with a hint of honey for natural sweetness.
I first made these cupcakes on a warm summer afternoon when I had an abundance of fresh peaches from the farmer's market. The result was an irresistible treat that has since become a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
Why You'll Love These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a dream come true for fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
First off, they're incredibly moist and flavorful. Thanks to the fresh peaches and honey, every bite is packed with juicy sweetness and a subtle floral note that sets these cupcakes apart from the rest.
They're also surprisingly easy to make. No need for fancy techniques—just simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process that yields bakery-worthy results.
And let’s not forget about the cream cheese frosting. Rich, tangy, and silky smooth, it perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the cupcakes, making them utterly irresistible.
Whether you're serving them at a summer picnic, birthday party, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these cupcakes lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important:
Fresh Peaches – The star of the show! Fresh, ripe peaches provide natural sweetness and a delicate, juicy texture. If peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and chopped) work just as well.
Honey – Instead of relying solely on granulated sugar, honey adds a floral depth and keeps the cupcakes moist. A mild honey, like clover or wildflower, works best to complement the peach flavor.
Cream Cheese – This ingredient is used in both the cupcake batter and the frosting, giving the cupcakes a slight tangy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Butter – Softened unsalted butter ensures a tender crumb and adds a rich, buttery flavor to both the cupcakes and the frosting.
Cake Flour – Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour makes these cupcakes extra soft and fluffy. If you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you can make a substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons of flour per cup with cornstarch.
Special Equipment: You'll need a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners and an electric mixer for whipping up the smooth, luscious frosting.
How To Make These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Creating these delectable cupcakes is easier than you think. Let’s go step by step!
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures easy removal and even baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix will give structure to your cupcakes while keeping them light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and honey until light and creamy. Slowly add in granulated sugar, followed by eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with a bit of milk to keep the batter smooth. Finally, carefully fold in the chopped fresh peaches, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing.
Divide the batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of honey until smooth and fluffy. Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then garnish with peach slices or a drizzle of extra honey for a stunning finish.
Storage Options
These cupcakes store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting holds up best when chilled, so allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
To freeze, place unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost before enjoying.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about these cupcakes is how adaptable they are! Here are some fun variations:
Want a deeper flavor? Try browning the butter before mixing it into the batter. This adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with honey and peaches.
No fresh peaches? Swap in nectarines, apricots, or even finely diced apples for a seasonal twist.
Looking for a lighter option? Reduce the sugar slightly and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese in the batter for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
Make it extra indulgent by stuffing each cupcake with a spoonful of peach preserves before frosting. The surprise burst of fruit inside takes these cupcakes to the next level.
Experiment and have fun—these cupcakes are meant to be enjoyed in countless ways!
PrintHoney Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
These Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a heavenly blend of sweet peaches, rich cream cheese, and a hint of honey. Perfectly moist and flavorful, they make a delightful dessert or snack.
- 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
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup diced fresh peaches
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Sliced peaches
- Drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until combined.
- Fold in diced peaches gently.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla for the filling.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway, add a teaspoon of cream cheese filling, then top with more batter.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool completely, then top with peach slices and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Notes
- Fresh or canned peaches can be used.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
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