Rhubarb Honey Cupcakes Recipe
These Rhubarb Honey Cupcakes feature a moist and tender crumb infused with a tangy rhubarb honey jam center. Topped with a smooth, airy rhubarb buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are a delightful balance of sweet and tart, perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Rhubarb Honey Jam
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb stalks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cupcakes
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 stick butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup rhubarb honey jam (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
- Make Rhubarb Honey Jam: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chopped rhubarb, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until the rhubarb breaks down and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Cupcake Batter: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup salted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream; continue blending until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating slowly just until combined with a few lumps remaining to prevent overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Pans: Line cupcake pans with paper liners and fill each about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Remove cupcakes from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 1 stick softened butter together with 1/2 cup cooled rhubarb honey jam until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate 4 cups powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and airy.
- Fill Cupcakes: Once cupcakes and jam are cooled, use a small spoon or a cupcake corer to scoop about 1 tablespoon out of the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with 2 teaspoons of rhubarb honey jam, then replace the top piece of cake.
- Decorate: Fill a piping bag with the prepared buttercream frosting and pipe a swirl on top of each filled cupcake.
- Store: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Ensure the rhubarb honey jam is completely cooled before mixing into the buttercream to prevent melting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
- Filling the cupcakes with rhubarb jam adds a delightful surprise and moisture inside.
- For best results, use cake flour for a tender crumb; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may yield a denser texture.
- Buttercream can be stored in the fridge and brought to room temperature before piping if needed.
Keywords: rhubarb cupcakes, honey cupcakes, rhubarb honey jam, buttercream frosting, spring desserts, fruit-filled cupcakes