Peaches and Cream Cupcakes

1 . Stage

Combine pureed peaches and sugar for filling in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slight boil.

2 . Stage

Mix cornstarch and water together in a separate bowl until there are no lumps. Stir mixture into the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until thick and bubbly, about 1 minute. Let filling cool completely.

3 . Stage

While filling cools, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.

4 . Stage

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl for cupcakes.

5 . Stage

Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and peach extract until smooth. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture and stir until combined. Add buttermilk and 1/2 cup pureed peaches; stir until almost combined. Add remaining flour mixture and stir until all ingredients are mixed in.

6 . Stage

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.

7 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool, about 20 minutes.

8 . Stage

Remove a bit of the center of each cupcake using a cupcake corer; fill with cooled peach filling.

9 . Stage

Beat whipping cream, pudding mix, and vanilla extract for frosting together using a wire whisk attachment until firm peaks form. Frost cooled cupcakes.