These cupcakes are so decadently delicious!  The recipe comes from Taste of Home Cake Mix Treats, and if you love chocolate and peanut butter you’ll love these cupcakes!!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 package chocolate cake mix
• 1 1/4 c. water
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• 1/3 c. canola oil
• 3 eggs
• 24 miniature peanut butter cups

Frosting:

• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 c. peanut butter
• Additional peanut butter cups, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, peanut butter, oil, and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds.  Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
2. Fill paper lined muffin cups half full. Place peanut butter cup in the center of each cupcake.  Cover each with 1 TBSP batter.
3. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Place chocolate in a small bowl.  In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil.  Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth.  Stir in peanut butter.  Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until ganache reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.
5. Spread over cupcakes; immediately sprinkle with additional peanut butter cups.  Let stand until set.

****Don’t use reduced fat or generic brands of peanut butter.

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: