Description
These High-Protein Snickers Cupcakes offer a delicious twist on a classic treat by incorporating chocolate protein powder and vanilla protein powder, making them a perfect dessert for those seeking extra protein without sacrificing flavor. Moist cupcakes are filled with a luscious caramel center, topped with a creamy peanut butter buttercream, crushed peanuts, and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Ideal for celebrations or as a special indulgence for fitness enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (46 g) oat flour
- 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
Buttercream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (226 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Caramel & Assembly
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- Crushed roasted unsalted peanuts, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for the cupcake batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, chocolate protein powder, and baking powder ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Make the Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet egg mixture and stir until only a few dry streaks remain. Then incorporate the plain whole milk yogurt, mixing until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare Buttercream: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar and Salt: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar in 1/2 cup increments, beating to blend after each addition. Add the kosher salt and continue beating until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
- Make Ahead Buttercream: Buttercream can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and unsalted butter, bringing to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, then remove from heat. Whisk in the vanilla protein powder until the sauce is smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before assembly.
- Core Cupcakes and Fill: Using an apple corer or small measuring spoon, carefully carve out a small section from the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with a spoonful or pipe a small amount of the caramel sauce.
- Frost with Buttercream: Spread or pipe the peanut butter buttercream over the filled center, covering it completely to ensure the caramel is sealed within.
- Garnish and Drizzle: Sprinkle crushed roasted unsalted peanuts over the frosted cupcakes and drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an appealing finish.
- Make Ahead Caramel: Caramel sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm gently before using if needed.
Notes
- For best results, bring refrigerated buttercream to room temperature and re-whip before frosting cupcakes to get a smooth texture.
- Use an apple corer or small spoon carefully to avoid breaking the cupcakes when coring the center.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
- To keep the caramel sauce smooth, stir gently before reheating and avoid boiling it again to prevent crystallization.
- Feel free to substitute oat flour with almond flour for a different texture and slight nutty flavor, adjusting flour quantities if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: high-protein cupcakes, Snickers cupcakes, peanut butter cupcakes, protein powder desserts, caramel cupcakes, healthy desserts, baked cupcakes
