Peanut Buttery Heaven Cupcakes

As I was thinking of a name to call these deliciously peanut butter cupcakes, the word heaven popped into my head.  Why?  Because that’s what my kitchen smelled like while these little guys were baking in the oven.

My family is a bunch of peanut butter fanatics, so I can’t wait to let my brother get a hold of one of these.  Well, maybe I should give him two, just in case.  The cupcakes are a rich peanut butter flavor, with little bursts of chocolate throughout…then topped with chocolate peanut butter icing, chocolate glaze and mini chocolate chips.  If you love peanut butter, you may have found yourself a new best friend.

Peanut Buttery Heaven Cupcakes Recipe:

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/4 cups water

4 eggs

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

Combine first 6 ingredients and beat well, using electric mixer.  Medium speed for about 4 minutes.  Using ice cream scoop, distribute evenly among cavities in a lined cupcake pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 23 minutes.  Cool completely before icing.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Icing:

2 lbs powdered sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

4 tablespoons water

Cream the peanut butter, shortening and butter until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and beat on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.

Chocolate Glaze:

Take small amount of icing and add chocolate syrup, mixing well until a thinner consistency than the icing.  Drizzle on top of iced cupcakes.