A layer of peanut butter buttercream frosting is sandwiched between two layers of chocolate cake, topped with chocolate ganache and sprinkled with peanut butter cups.
In a small medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter with sugar, stirring until combined.
3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, 1 Cup Sugar
Remove from heat and pour into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Beat on medium-low speed until mixture is cool, about 5 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated.
2 Large Eggs
Add vanilla and cocoa mixture; beat until combined.
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Reduce speed to low.
Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream, beating until just combined.
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool 15 minutes; invert cupcakes onto rack and cool completely.
In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until light and creamy, about 4 minutes.
3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add powdered sugar.
1 3/4 Cup Confectioners' Sugar
Gradually increase the speed and mix for another 4 minutes.
Add peanut butter and salt.
3/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter, Pinch Salt
Beat until fully combined and frosting reaches the desired consistency.
To make the ganache, place chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
6 Ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Heat cream and corn syrup just to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
2/3 Cup Heavy Cream, 1 Tablespoon Light Corn Syrup
Pour hot mixture over chocolate.
Let stand one minute, then stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
To assemble, cut each cupcake in half horizontally, such that you have a top and bottom layer.
Sandwich frosting between the top and bottom cupcake layer.
Spoon the ganache over the cupcakes and sprinkle with crumbled peanut butter cups.
Peanut Butter Cups
Serve immediately.
Notes
*If the ganache is too thick, add another tablespoon of warm heavy cream until desired consistency is reached. You can also heat ganache in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave to soften.Recipe from Spoonful of Flavor with cake layer adapted from Martha Stewart.Store in an airtight container at room temperature.