Fluffernutter Cupcakes

Ingredients

CAKE

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

FROSTING AND TOPPING

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 pinch cream of tartar
• 1 pinch salt
• chocolate-covered peanuts, chopped
• creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. 1

   Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, baking powder and salt.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the sugar with the eggs and vanilla extract at medium-high speed until smooth and thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and oil and beat until incorporated, scraping the bottom and side of the bowl. Add the dry ingredients and milk in 3 alternating batches, beating well between additions. Carefully pour the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling them about two-thirds full.

4. 4

   Bake the cupcakes in the center of the oven for 20 to 23 minutes, until springy and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool slightly in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with the water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. 6

   In a large bowl of a standing electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the pinches of cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.

7. 7

   With the mixer at medium speed, carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites. Continue beating the frosting until cool and billowy, about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Mix the frosting with the chocolate covered peanuts and peanut butter to taste, spread on cooled cupcakes and serve.