Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites

Name: Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1 cup crushed pretzels; Chocolate drizzle (optional)

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love making these Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, with a creamy peanut butter filling and crunchy pretzel topping, makes them a hit! They're surprisingly easy to prepare, and I find that the unique texture adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Plus, they require minimal baking time, making them a perfect treat for those last-minute cravings or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:09:28.153Z

When I first combined peanut butter and pretzels in a dessert, I was blown away by the contrast in flavors and textures. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth! I experimented with the balance of sweetness and saltiness and found that a hint of sweetness in the frosting ties everything together beautifully. Adding a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top gives it the finishing touch.

As I refined my recipe, I learned that chilling the cupcake bites before serving enhances the texture and makes the layers meld better. It's a simple step that really elevates the whole experience. Trust me; your guests will rave about these delightful little bites!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich peanut butter flavor balanced by salty pretzels
Easy to make with minimal baking required
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging

Perfecting Your Cupcake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites hinges on the balance of dry to wet ingredients. Make sure to mix just until combined, as over-mixing can lead to dense, tough cupcakes. The resulting cupcakes should be light and slightly springy to the touch when baked, with a golden-brown exterior. A good tip is to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to maintain that lovely, airy texture.

Another critical aspect is ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the egg and milk. This can help create a smoother batter, resulting in easier blending and more uniform cupcakes. If you forget to take these out ahead of time, you can place cold eggs in warm water for about five minutes to take the chill off quickly.

Frosting Techniques for a Perfect Finish

When it comes to frosting, consistency is key. Your peanut butter frosting should be smooth but not too runny; otherwise, it will slide off the cupcakes. If you find your frosting too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Conversely, if it's too runny, adding a bit more powdered sugar can help thicken it up without altering the flavor significantly.

For a professional-looking finish, consider using a piping bag fitted with a star tip to frost the cupcakes. This technique can create beautiful swirls and peaks, enhancing their visual appeal. If you don't have a piping bag, a simple resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off can work just as well.

Personalizing Your Treats

One of the best parts about these cupcake bites is their versatility. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the creamy peanut butter for a flavored variety, such as cinnamon or chocolate peanut butter, to create a unique twist on the classic. Similarly, using different types of pretzels, like chocolate-covered or honey mustard pretzels, can add an interesting flavor profile that surprises your taste buds.

If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can easily make these gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The taste and texture will still shine through, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bites during any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk

For Garnish

1 cup crushed pretzels
Chocolate drizzle (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the peanut butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Prepare Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

Frost the Cupcakes

Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes, then sprinkle with crushed pretzels.

Serve

If desired, drizzle with chocolate before serving. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can refrigerate the cupcakes for 30 minutes after frosting them. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes them taste even better!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcake Bites can be made a day or two ahead of time, making them a great option for planning your next gathering. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh, it’s best to add the crushed pretzel topping just before serving, as they can become soggy over time.

For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcake bites. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be kept frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcake bites are perfect for a variety of occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. To elevate the presentation, consider serving them on a tiered cake stand, which adds visual interest to your dessert table. You can also pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that balances the salty and sweet flavors beautifully.

For an adult twist, consider drizzling with a bit of bourbon or whiskey caramel sauce. This addition can complement the peanut butter and pretzel elements nicely, making these bites an exciting option for a cocktail party or a gathering with friends.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your cupcakes sinking in the middle, it may be due to over-mixing the batter or underbaking them. Always ensure that you bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and aim for that slightly springy texture. If need be, keep them in the oven for an extra minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent over-baking.

Another common issue is frosting separation; if this happens, it usually means the butter was too warm or the ingredients weren’t combined properly. To rectify, return the frosting to the mixer and beat it again until it becomes smooth. If necessary, put the frosting in the refrigerator for a short time to firm it up before re-mixing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can add a nice texture, but it may change the consistency of the frosting slightly.

→ How do I store leftover cupcake bites?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

→ What can I substitute for the egg?

You can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as a replacement.