Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is crucial for Devil’s food cake to ensure there are no cocoa clumps. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Slowly pour in the warm water while whisking gently. The batter will be thin, but do not worry; this ensures a moist crumb. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Place the tin in the center rack of the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remove the tin from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Increase the speed and add the heavy cream and vanilla. Whip the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes until it looks light and fluffy. Once the cupcakes are entirely cold, use a piping bag or a palette knife to apply a generous amount of frosting to each. Garnish with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a professional look.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes