CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES

I needed to put together a universally-liked cupcake as a 'thank you' gift for my veterinarians office; and I needed to do it quickly. You see, last week I experienced every pet owner's nightmare. My poor Bentley pup got his foot stuck in the elevator. Yep, it was an utter disaster. I had to rush him to the emergency vet @ 6am only to find out he needed surgery with 50+ stitches in order to save his paw. Needless to say, I've been traumatized and have schlepped him back and forth to the vet 100 times in the past week. They have been so incredibly accommodating by staying late and opening up early for me. So, what says 'thank you' better than cupcakes? And chocolate peanut butter cupcakes at that.

I have been reading/hearing about Martha's one-bowl chocolate cupcake recipe for over a year now and I figured it was finally time to test them out. I'm surprised it took me this long considering the rave reviews and incredible convenience of 'one bowl'. I busted out my very best Valrhona chocolate, silky creamy JIF peanut butter, and pretty hunter green cupcake liners. My very best thanks were in order. These cupcakes were deeeeelicious! They were chocolaty and moist and baked so beautifully. Each and every cupcake domed perfectly with brownie-like cracks on top. And the frosting-oh, the frosting. Peanut butter swirls with the utmost salt perfection. From here on out, I will add sea salt to all and everything peanut butter related. It should be a law. Oh, and of course I made a dozen minis for fun.

Above are the cupcakes packed up and ready for delivery! Enjoy!

Martha's One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcake Recipe found here.

Peanut Butter Frosting:
2 sticks butter
8 oz. cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup all creamy peanut butter mixed with 1/2 tsp sea salt
2-3 tbsp of Milk or heavy cream (optional)

Cream butter until white and fluffy. Add cream cheese and vanilla and beat until well incorporated. Turn mixer to lowest setting and add 1 cup powdered sugar at a time, waiting until incorporated to add the next cup. Add milk or cream when the frosting looks like it's getting too thick. When all the powdered sugar is combined turn mixer back to high setting and beat for 2 min. Add peanut butter mixture. Enjoy!