Satisfy your sweet tooth with these deliciously rich Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Cupcakes. These lightened-up treats are packed with peanut butter flavor but keep your points in check, making them the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether for a party, a snack, or dessert, these cupcakes deliver all the decadence without the guilt.
Ingredients
Makes 12 cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if needed)
- 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter (like PB2)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred sugar substitute)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese (light)
- 2 tbsp powdered peanut butter (like PB2)
- 1 tbsp powdered erythritol
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered peanut butter, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and erythritol.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cupcakes dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Each liner should be about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
- In a small bowl, beat together the whipped cream cheese, powdered peanut butter, powdered erythritol, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the frosting for about 10 minutes for easier spreading.
Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the tops.
- Garnish with a small sprinkle of powdered peanut butter or a tiny drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup (optional).
Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Net Carbs: 9g
Weight Watchers SmartPoints
Each cupcake is approximately 3 SmartPoints, depending on the brands of ingredients used. Adjust frosting portions or omit garnishes to reduce points further.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in Points: A guilt-free dessert perfect for any time of day.
- High in Protein: Thanks to Greek yogurt and powdered peanut butter, these cupcakes help you stay fuller longer.
- Customizable: Adjust toppings or mix-ins like sugar-free chocolate chips or a dollop of sugar-free jam for variety.
- Perfect Texture: Moist, fluffy, and peanut buttery with just the right balance of sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the egg and yogurt are at room temperature for smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the cupcakes at the 18-minute mark to avoid dryness.
- Chill the Frosting: Letting the frosting chill before applying makes it easier to spread and gives it a firmer texture.
- Use Powdered Sweetener: Powdered erythritol blends seamlessly into the frosting without graininess.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Add 1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
- Banana Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Mix in 1/4 cup mashed banana (adjust points accordingly).
- Jelly Swirl: Add a swirl of sugar-free jam to the batter for a PB&J-inspired treat.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter powder instead of peanut butter powder.
Conclusion
These WW Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a delightful way to indulge your peanut butter cravings without straying from your goals. Light, fluffy, and perfectly portioned, they’re a fantastic option for dessert, snack time, or even special occasions. Easy to make, low in points, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your Weight Watchers repertoire. Enjoy!