Rhubarb Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes: A Sweet & Tangy Delight
Introduction:
These Rhubarb Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a truly unique treat that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. A drizzle of honey adds a warm, golden sweetness, and the honey cream cheese frosting elevates these cupcakes into something irresistibly decadent. Perfect for a summer gathering, brunch, or any occasion when you want to impress your friends and family with something a little unexpected. These cupcakes have the best of both worlds: the freshness of fruit and the richness of a cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tip:
When cooking the rhubarb and peaches, make sure they cook down until soft and jammy before adding them to the batter. This ensures that the cupcakes are moist and full of concentrated flavor, without any extra moisture that could affect their texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- For a Brunch Treat – Serve these cupcakes alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a chilled glass of iced tea for the ultimate sweet start to your day.
- Summer Dessert – Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of extra honey for a truly indulgent dessert.
- Garden Party – Perfect for a garden party or picnic, these cupcakes are easy to transport and can be topped with fresh peach slices or rhubarb for an extra touch.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Just make sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with texture.
- Vegan Twist – Replace the butter with coconut oil, the eggs with flax eggs, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to make these cupcakes fully vegan.
- Cinnamon Spice – Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cupcake batter for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the peach and rhubarb.
- Peach Jam Frosting – For a stronger peach flavor, stir in a tablespoon or two of peach jam into the frosting before spreading it on the cupcakes.
Equipment Needed:
- Muffin Tin – Essential for baking cupcakes evenly and ensuring they rise perfectly.
- Paper Cupcake Liners – These make it easy to remove the cupcakes once they’re baked, and keep them from sticking to the tin.
- Mixing Bowls – Necessary for combining all the cupcake and frosting ingredients separately.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To cream the butter, sugar, and frosting ingredients to perfection without over-mixing.
- Small Saucepan – Used to cook the rhubarb, peaches, and honey together into a jammy mixture.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients – For the best texture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature when making the batter. This helps them incorporate better into the mixture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting – Let the cupcakes cool completely before applying the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the cupcakes.
- Test for Doneness – Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are ready.
- Make the Fruit Mixture Ahead – You can cook the rhubarb, peaches, and honey the night before and store them in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These cupcakes are an irresistible mix of sweet and tangy, making them a perfect treat for both dessert lovers and fruit fans. The combination of peaches, rhubarb, and honey brings a delightful harmony of flavors that will transport you straight to summer. Plus, the honey cream cheese frosting adds a rich, smooth finish that ties everything together. Easy to make and beautiful to serve, these cupcakes will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Recipe Card:
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup diced rhubarb
- 1 cup diced ripe peaches (peeled)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the honey cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- In a small saucepan, cook rhubarb, peaches, and honey over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until soft and jammy. Let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the cooled rhubarb-peach mixture.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add honey and vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with a small slice of peach or a sprinkle of finely diced rhubarb if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal (estimated)
Nutrition Table (Per Serving, estimated):
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 43g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Sodium | 115mg |
FAQ:
- Can I use frozen peaches and rhubarb?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the batter. - Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes. - How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes! Freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and frost them. - Can I add more honey to the batter?
You can add up to 1/4 cup of honey for a sweeter flavor, but keep in mind that too much may affect the texture.
