Our delightful cupcake contributor, Lauren of Crave. Indulge. Satisfy., brings us an irresistible new recipe that promises to be the star of your autumn celebrations. Prepare to indulge in a treat that captures the very essence of fall festivities and Halloween joy.

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Ultimate Halloween Treat: Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Festive Candy Bark

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, October ushers in a season of cozy charm, pumpkin spice, and, for many of us, an undeniable craving for candy! It’s that magical time of year when our pantries are unapologetically stocked with an array of miniature candy bars, and guilt is nowhere to be found. Strolling through the grocery store aisles, the vibrant Halloween candy section calls out, with bags upon bags of treats just begging to find a home in your shopping cart. While the options are endless, my personal favorites always gravitate towards the timeless combination of rich chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and creamy peanut butter. Inspired by these beloved flavors and the spirit of the season, I’ve crafted the ultimate festive delight: a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake crowned with a spectacular Halloween Candy Bark. This isn’t just a cupcake; it’s an edible celebration of all things sweet and spooky!

Experience the Irresistible Fusion of Flavors and Textures

At first glance, this cupcake might simply appear to be a classic chocolate treat, but take one bite, and you’ll discover a delightful secret: the subtle yet distinct addition of peanut butter woven into the cake itself. This unexpected twist elevates the flavor profile, creating a moist, rich base that perfectly balances the sweetness. Topped with a luscious swirl of homemade peanut butter buttercream, each bite is an explosion of complementary tastes, reminiscent of a giant, gourmet Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. For all you dedicated chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts out there, this is truly a dream come true – a cupcake you absolutely must try!

But the true showstopper and the most enchanting part of this creation is undoubtedly its presentation: a generous piece of homemade Halloween Candy Bark perched atop each cupcake. This vibrant bark is not just a garnish; it’s a carnival of textures and flavors, loaded with a medley of beloved candies. Imagine the delightful crunch of Peanut M&Ms, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Reese’s Pieces, chunks of classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and the unmistakable crisp of Butterfinger candies. The bright orange and yellow hues of the candies scream autumn festivity, making these cupcakes an instant hit for any fall gathering or Halloween party. It’s a sweet masterpiece that any candyholic will adore, offering a playful crunch and an extra layer of indulgence that sets it apart from your average treat.

Perfect for Every Halloween Occasion: Gifting, Sharing, and Celebrating

These stunning cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they are a versatile addition to any Halloween celebration. Imagine them as the dazzling centerpiece of your Halloween dessert table, adding a touch of homemade charm and festive flair. Beyond the party spread, these treats are perfectly designed for sharing the joy of the season. They’d be absolutely adorable packaged individually, ready to be handed out to eager trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, making your home the most popular stop on the block. Alternatively, sending them to school with your kids to share with their classmates is a thoughtful way to spread Halloween cheer, ensuring everyone gets a taste of homemade goodness.

Speaking of individual packaging, I recently stumbled upon an ingenious and incredibly charming method on Pinterest that I simply had to share! It’s a creative, single-serving solution that transforms a simple cupcake into a delightful gift. All you need are clear plastic cups, clear plastic treat bags, and some festive ribbon. This method is not only practical for transport and hygiene but also adds an incredibly professional and personal touch to your homemade treats. You can elevate the presentation even further by adding personalized tags for each recipient, perhaps with their name, or a festive message like “Trick-or-Treat” or “Happy Halloween.” This thoughtful detail makes each cupcake feel like a special present, perfect for classmates, friends, or even colleagues.

Unleash Your Inner Baker: Customize Your Candy Bark Creation!

I genuinely hope you’ll be inspired to give this recipe a try! It’s truly a standout treat, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by the incredible flavors and the fun experience of making it. One of the best parts about the Halloween Candy Bark is its versatility. Feel absolutely free to experiment with your own favorite candies and create a unique version that reflects your personal taste or matches a specific Halloween theme. The possibilities for crafting the ultimate candy combo are truly endless! Just take a stroll down the candy aisle at your local grocery store, and let your imagination run wild. Whether you prefer gummy worms, chocolate bars, fruity chews, or crunchy toffees, you can customize your bark to be as unique as you are. Imagine different color schemes, texture combinations, or even focusing on a single type of candy. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your confectionery creativity!

The Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Halloween Candy Bark

This comprehensive recipe will guide you through creating these show-stopping Halloween treats. Each component – the moist cake, the creamy icing, and the crunchy candy bark – is designed for maximum flavor and festive appeal. Get ready to impress with your baking skills!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Halloween Candy Bark

Recipe by Lauren Kapeluck
(Makes 24 cupcakes)

For the Cake:

The foundation of these incredible cupcakes is a perfectly balanced chocolate and peanut butter cake. The buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while the combination of sugars creates a moist and rich texture. Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature is key to achieving a smooth batter and a perfectly baked cupcake.

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup creamy peanut butter (I used Jif)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners. This recipe yields 24 cupcakes, so prepare enough liners.
In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically 3-5 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cupcakes’ light texture.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula periodically to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Start by adding about one-third of the dry mixture, mix until just combined, then add half of the buttermilk, mix, and repeat until all ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the prepared batter. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Bake for 20-21 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Let the baked cupcakes cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cool before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost them with the prepared Peanut Butter Buttercream and then garnish with a piece of the homemade Halloween Candy Bark.

For the Peanut Butter Icing:

This creamy, dreamy peanut butter buttercream perfectly complements the chocolate peanut butter cake. The key to a light and fluffy icing is starting with softened butter and beating it sufficiently. Adjust the milk to achieve your preferred consistency.

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter (I used Jif)
4 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and creamy.
Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure all the sugar is incorporated.
Add the milk, starting with 1/4 cup, and beat until you reach your desired consistency. You may need a little more or less milk depending on the thickness you prefer.
Continue to beat the icing on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and airy. This step incorporates air, making the buttercream wonderfully smooth and easy to pipe.
Transfer the prepared icing to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or your favorite decorative tip) and frost the cooled cupcakes with a generous swirl.
Finally, garnish each frosted cupcake with a piece of the Halloween Candy Bark.

For the Halloween Candy Bark:

This festive candy bark is the crown jewel of these cupcakes, adding crunch, color, and an extra burst of candy flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and highly customizable with your favorite Halloween treats. Be mindful when melting chocolate to prevent seizing.

16 oz Chocolate Bark (melting wafers or chocolate candy coating work best)
1/2 cup Peanut M&Ms (yellow and orange preferred for color), roughly chopped
1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
4 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cut into 8 pie-like pieces
4 small Butterfinger candy bars, chopped

Line a standard baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easy to remove once set.
Place the chocolate bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue to microwave at 15-second intervals, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate evenly across the wax paper to your desired thickness.
Immediately and generously sprinkle the chopped Peanut M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, cut Reese’s Cups, and chopped Butterfinger candies over the warm melted chocolate. Gently press them down slightly to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
Place the candy bark into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until it is completely chilled and firm. This chilling time helps the chocolate set quickly.
Once firm, remove the bark from the refrigerator and break it apart into irregular pieces. These unique shapes add to the rustic charm of the candy bark. Use these pieces to garnish your frosted cupcakes.

For the Cupcake Packaging (Gifting Idea):

This clever packaging method is perfect for gifting individual cupcakes, protecting them while showcasing their beauty. It’s a simple yet elegant solution for treats on the go.

9 oz Solo clear plastic cups
Clear treat bags (approximately 4 in x 2 in, or size appropriate for cups)
Ribbon (festive colors preferred)

Carefully place one frosted cupcake into the bottom of a clear plastic cup. The cup acts as a protective dome, preventing the frosting from being smushed.
Gently slide the cup, with the cupcake inside, into a clear plastic treat bag. Ensure the bag is large enough to enclose the cup completely.
Gather the top of the treat bag tightly around the rim of the cup, then tie it securely with a decorative ribbon. A festive bow adds an extra touch of charm.
If desired, personalize each packaged cupcake with a small name tag or a special holiday message. This makes them perfect for party favors or school treats.

I sincerely hope you and your loved ones enjoy these incredible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake treats! They are a true labor of love that perfectly embodies the fun and sweetness of Halloween. Oh, and by the way, you’ll likely have some delicious Halloween Candy Bark left over after garnishing all your cupcakes. I highly, highly recommend crumbling those extra pieces over a bowl of cold vanilla ice cream – it creates an absolutely sensational dessert experience that’s pretty terrific! Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween filled with sweet moments and delightful treats!