These peach cupcakes are packed with peach flavor from peach jam and fresh peaches. Then they are topped with a peach buttercream.
Sometimes, life just sucks.
I hesitate how much of “real” life to share here sometimes. How raw I can really be. In all honesty, this is my happy place. It’s about food, after all. And food – well, it makes me happy. To see a beautiful cupcake or to see someone go back for seconds of something I made – these things put a smile on my face. But unfortunately, life is more often not about the food. And life, unfortunately, is not always picture perfect, no matter how you look at it.
The last 6ish months have been some of the hardest I have been through in my life. Late last year, my husband got a new job. A very promising job. We sold our house. We bought a truck for his job. We suffered through living apart for months while we looked for somewhere to live. Finally, in January, it all seemed to be coming together. We found a place to live and were reunited as a family.
But it was short-lived. The company that my husband was working for basically shut down. They lost their 2 main accounts, and the calls for work completely stopped. We really don’t even know exactly what happened because communication was basically cut off. He was working as an independent contractor, so there was really nothing we could do. Except pray for work.
Unfortunately, work for him hasn’t come. Fortunately, work started rolling in for me. I do have to say that I am extremely grateful, because I have been able to support our family financially through this blog and lots of recipe developing opportunities. But it has been hard. I have always said that the one word of advice I’d give to someone wanting to start a food blog is to not go into it expecting to make a living from it. It’s possible – I have been doing it – but I have also been working 10-12 hour days. While pregnant. And I’m not going to lie – it’s been hard. I’ve had several people comment to me that they don’t know how I do it all, but the truth of the matter is that I have no option right now.
But as we get closer to this baby coming, (only about 10 weeks to go!), we decided that this is not an ideal situation anymore. I can’t keep up physically anymore. And my poor husband – not only does he feel terrible because he isn’t providing for our family, but he sees me suffering and can’t really do anything about it because I have to be the one to make the food, to photograph the food, to talk about the food.
So we decided to simplify life. This week, we are moving back in with my parents. Just removing the burden of paying rent will be a huge thing for me. I feel like I have been drained of creativity lately because I’ve been doing so much, so I’m hoping now that I can cut back a little bit, the ideas will start to flow better.
I am not writing all of this for sympathy. (In fact, I know 80% of people don’t even read through the post – but go straight for the recipe!) I only write this to let you know where I have been these past few weeks, or months, and that I may still be a little absent until I get settled over the next week. I know that this is a temporary situation, and that things will get better. I have faith in that. (And if any of you have any good job leads for my husband, we are all ears! We are even willing to relocate if necessary! :))
And I have faith in cupcakes. They make me happy. Especially when a recipe comes together so perfectly the first time around. We know that I am obsessed with peach season here in Utah. I can’t believe this is only the second peach recipe I’ve posted this year. But this one is so good. I knew that I wanted some good peach flavor in the cupcakes, but I also knew that a lot of time, when you bake with fruit like this, the flavor is lost. So I decided to use both peach jam and fresh peaches. You’ll want a really good quality peach jam for these, preferrably with some good chunks. I canned a ton of jam a couple of years ago, and this helped me to get through a bit more of it!!
And don’t forget the icing! Once again, I used jam to make sure the peach flavor was prominent. And a fresh peach slice is the perfect topping to bring it all together. If you are a peach lover, these cupcakes are for you!!
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- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup peach jam
- 2 medium peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespooon flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons peach jam
- peach slices, for garnish
- Heat oven to 350F. Line 16 cupcake tins with liners.
- In the bowl of a mixer, mix together the vegetable oil and sugar. Beat in the egg.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. To the sugar mixture, add ⅓ of the flour mixture. Then add half of the milk. Add another ⅓ of the flour, the rest of the milk, then the remaining flour. Mix just until combined. Fold in the jam.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped peaches and flour. Fold into the batter. Fill the cupcake tins ⅔ full with the mixture and bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17- 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- To make the frosting: In the bowl of a mixer, cream together all of the ingredients. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes. Top with a peach slice.
More peach desserts worth making:
Peaches and Cream Whoopie Pies from Sweet Peas Kitchen
Sour Cream Peach Pie from Taste and Tell
Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream from Sweet Basil
Dimply Peach Cake with Almond from Good Life Eats
Peach Basil Sorbet from Dash of East
So pretty! Those cupcakes must taste divine.
Cheers,
Rosa
Sometimes simplifying life solves all the problems….:)
These cupcakes look super cute!!
First of all, these cupcakes are gorgeous! I bet the peach flavor is perfect with the fresh peaches and the jam. Yum!
Secondly, I’m so sorry that things don’t seem to be going your way right now… I am so impressed with all you do to keep this blog going AND support your family at the same time! I know you have faith that things will work out, and that’s so important. They will work out in the end!!!! Hang in there – thinking of you. 🙂
These cupcakes are beautiful! Peach buttercream?!? Yes, please. Sending prayers your way for a fabulous job for your husband 🙂
Deborah I am so, so, so sorry for what you must be feeling and going through. I have been in similar situations in my life b/c my hubs is self-employed and I can relate to what you are saying and be the one holding the bag and supporting the family. My heart goes out to you and your family that you get thru this time, that somehow your last 10 weeks of pregnancy get easier than the first 30, and that things are okay moving back in with your parents. I am so sorry for this all – major hugs to you.
You are such an amazing woman, Deborah. I know you don’t have any choice in the matter right now, but the fact that you are a mother of 2, pregnant with the third, AND working full-time to completely support your family is so incredible. You are so strong! Crossing fingers/toes/arms/legs/etc. and sending up lots of prayers that your husband is able to find a job VERY SOON!
The cupcakes look amazing, by the way. I bet that peach buttercream is just to DIE FOR!
Hang in there. 🙂 Will be praying your husband finds some work soon, and that you will have all the strength you need.
~Jamie
PS…the cupcakes look beautiful. 🙂
Sending up prayers for your husband to land the perfect job, for you to stay strong, and for the health of this baby-on-the-way. Also for your sanity as you “renest” with your parents – maybe this will be a good thing with your pregnancy coming to term. Either way, I’ll be praying for your family!
Deborah — Sending tons of prayers (and virtual hugs :)) your way. I’m so sorry to hear this is happening to you and your family, but I’m also grateful that you’ve found a solution, albeit temporary, that eases some of the stress. And coming from someone who had to move in with her parents right after she was married due to financial suckiness… it’s all just part of the journey. 🙂 And you’ll probably make some great memories there, even during a difficult time. Hang in there!
First, let me say how much I love your site and enjoy looking through the recipes you show. Second, I do read through your posts and not just go for the recipes. I find it all very interesting. And third, I know exactly what your speaking of and the difficulties your going through. We had to relocate 3 years ago when GM shut the plant my husband worked at for 16 years. We had to sell our dreamhouse that we had built and uproot our family to relocate so my husband could take another job. He was only out of work for 7 months so we were fortunate there. We were apart for awhile as I tied everything up where we were and he moved to the area we are at now. There were a lot of sleepless nights and worry. Luckily, my husbands job is stable and we have adjusted. Just remember, so many others are struggling to in so many ways. Each day also brings new possiblities and hope. Good luck to you and your family. You never know what good things may lie in your future.
These are gorgeous, and I read through the whole post!!!! It will all work out. It really will. And just think of the strengths you have gained by going through this. Plus you’ve developed an empathy that many others will never have. And trust me, going through hard times you get a bit tired of no one understanding how you feel. It’s a great blessing to be able to tell someone, “I get it, and l’m here for you”.
I am seriously hoping that Sweet Basil will become something big enough that we can start paying our bills with it. It would change everything. Oh life. You sure are stupid sometimes. 😉
Deborah, I’m so sorry your family is going through such a difficult time. I have always enjoyed your blog–it’s one of my very favorites–and I’m so impressed that you’ve been able to support your family with it (and other projects). I hope the next few months bring a little breathing room.
Gorgeous cupcakes.
Oh honey, I’m so sorry for all your struggles. I find it amazing that you’ve maintained such a positive attitude and put out gorgeous recipes and positivity all while struggling.
Praying for you and your family. Take care of you and your baby <3
Deborah, this is so touching. First, I admire your strength for pouring yourself out to your readers! We love you and will support you in any way that we can, and I think I speak for most of us in saying that! You are inspiring and your strength is so wonderful. Simplifying is the only way to handle life at times. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your cupcakes – both of which I – and others – can really relate to. Stay strong, I am praying for you! xo
Sometimes the hardest worst things in our lives turn into the best. I’m so glad you can rest and have peace. I know how hard it is to be THAT tired. You’re in my prayers.
I’m so sorry your family is going through this right now. I’m really glad you shared your story though, as I know everyone will rally around and support you in every way possible! I have no idea how you’ve managed to do all you’ve done for your family in this time, but kudos, it’s so impressive. Sending lots of good thoughts your way and hope your husband is able to find work soon. Hang in there!
Your blog is one of my favorites because you do get personal and I enjoy that. I read through them and THEN GAWK at the recipe. YUM!!!
I know someone going through a similar situation and it is so hard. I will be praying for your family. Moving in with the parents is not a bad thing at all. I hope you notice a lot of stress leaving once you are there. Good luck with everything!
This recipe looks amazing I can’t wait to try it. We have done the move in with parents thing twice you are not alone. I hope this time goes by fast for you and things start looking up! 🙂
Hi Deborah,
I am so sorry to hear that you and your husband are going through a challenging time right now, and I want you to know that you are one of many friends whom I keep in my daily prayers and thoughts. It is always hard to remember or believe that God never gives us more than we can handle, but during my own challenging times, I have slowly come to realize that this fact couldn’t be more true. It sounds like your parents are also a couple of guardian angels. Just remember to take care of yourself and your family first. I will continue to keep you and your husband in my prayers and thoughts. Although I don’t have any job leads, I do know that jobs here in Houston, Texas are plentiful and our economy is very strong. I don’t know how far you are willing to relocate, but if you have any questions, please feel free to email me and I would be happy to help you with whatever information you may need about Houston. Love and Hugs to you!
Oh Deborah! I know you’re not looking for sympathy, but I do want to offer my empathy. We’ve been there. We even lived with parents for a year too. You are right, it will get better. I believe life always has a way of sorting itself out. Sometimes it’s just hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And let’s face it, some days are just plain tough. Hang in there. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I think simplifying things is always helpful (I could probably stand to do some myself!) and as for these cupcakes…they sure would cheer me up! 🙂 Hugs to you!
Sweet Deborah, I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles… Sending big hugs to you and your family! I am sure everything will solve itself out very soon! As a mother of three I know how hard it must be for you to keep everything together. But you are an amazing and strong woman – such an inspiration! PS: Your cupcakes look so scrumptious! Perfect to enjoy my favorite summer fruit!
Hang in there, lady! I have SO been there. Before my husband joined the Army, he was laid off 3 times within a year and after the 3rd one, we ended up staying with family for a couple months. Things will get better! And I’m sure your family will love having the kids around!
I read through your whole post, I always do! I really hope everything works out for you and your husband, stay strong!
I hope a wonderful job opportunity opens up for your husband soon. You do a wonderful job developing recipes and writing your posts. Hopefully this move will be just what you need.
I love you even more for sharing your struggles. And somehow it makes your recipes, your photos, your words all the more real. Thank you. (And I will cross fingers, toes, even eyes for a new opportunity for your husband.)
Oh wow!!! I know EXACTLY how you feel! I was a full-time graphic designer and was recently laid off, so now I have to work really hard with recipe development projects, freelance gigs, and contributing writing projects. I have to!!! My prayers are with you and your family. I truly hope your hubby find something very soon. Best of luck with your move.
ugh, That is so hard and I am sending you good job vibes for your husband. I am glad that you made a tough decision that will ease some of your stress, which will be especially important with a baby on the way. Best of luck and the cupcakes do look like they would make anyone smile! 🙂
We gain strength in adverse circumstances and we all read your blog postings, that’s how we learn who you are and what your representing. We enjoy the recipes, but the story’s bring you all to life, when you share with us. It brings some perspective into our lives that we also have the same problems and issues, that we are not alone. It’s enjoyable to read the posting and more enjoyable to share the recipes. Prayers for you and your husband, God does not give us more than we can handle and with an abundance of prayers coming your way, so many miracles happen. You have each other and thats the most important step forward. Have faith and God will see you thru.
Well here’s hoping that work comes your husband’s way soon! Your cupcakes are beautiful and make me smile 🙂
i wish i could give you a big hug! i have BEEN there my friend, and it’s SO hard. you are amazing for doing what you’re doing, and blessing the world with your beautiful posts as well! i so hope that things work out soon.
in the meantime, YUM!! these are just gorgeous and look amazing!
Good luck on everything. We’ve been there, I understand. 🙂 I hope everything gets figured out soon, and I will let you know if I hear of any jobs.
It will all work out in the end. Your cut backs as much as they do suck. They will pay off in the end. We have been in similar situations. It’s tough, but God will never put anything on your plate you can’t handle. Or atleast that’s what I always tell myself when things get tough. Hang in there, you have a beautiful family…. and these stunning cupcakes. THAT is something to be happy about!
Option or no option, what you’re doing for your family is incredible. You are my new hero! What type of work is your hubby looking for? I’ll start asking around. Best of luck to your family, I hope it gets easier soon!
And as I am equally obsessed with peaches this summer, this cupcake recipe is one I’m going to have to try!
aww Deborah, this is such a touching post. and i sincerely admire your strength and your courage to write this. i’ll be praying for you guys and you’re so brave to move back in with your parents – it’s definitely the right thing to do to save money right now. of course, i’m certain it will work itself out in the end and i’m certain of that for you guys!! you’re doing an incredible thing for your family and that’s something to be so proud of! these cupcakes look amazing & i’m thinking of you and your family! xoxo
I’m not a fan of peaches, but even I have to admit these cupcakes look yummy!
I’m praying that things get easier for you, Deborah, and that the last few weeks of pregnancy are relaxing for you. Fingers crossed something comes up job-wise for your husband! Xxx
Oh chica I am so sorry to read all of this!! Life really does suck sometimes and I’m amazed at how strong you’ve been through all this. You’re a rock and such an awesome person. I know you guys will be fine. You’ll just have to be. <3 and yes, cupcakes. They do seem to make most things better…especially delicious ones like these!
I’m so sorry to read all of this, Deborah! I’m glad some burdens are being lifted, and remember: you always have cupcakes! 🙂
First of all, your cupcakes are gorgeous and look perfectly peachy!
Second, I’m glad you were able to share here – life is hard and it’s easy to hide behind a facade. It takes strength to share and be vulnerable. You and your family are in my prayers!
Ugh!
Not fun!
I hope something good comes your way soon.
First, sending good karma your way and your family’s way. We’ve both been long term unemployed here so know the stressors you are under. Fortunately at 57 I AM NOT pregnant! But want you to know, I don’t just skip over your writing to your recipes. So take heart! I suspect many of your readers are just like me. We read you because you are you. You are one of the important ingredients in why we read your blog. Sure, recipes are good, but I can get those from the library. Humanity is another thing entirely. Not sure I’m putting this well but … good karma, luv’in yr blog AND the recipes.
Hugs to you during your difficult times. I pray that things will turn around, and good things come your way!
The cupcakes look amazing, by the way!
Sometimes a break from the blog or even life in general helps my creative juices flow. This hard time you are going through Deborah is only temporary. This too, shall pass. Keep your chin up. Good things happen to good people and I’m routing for you your husband. I always read your posts. 🙂
PS: I love love love love peach ANYTHING. 😉
Oh Deb, I know how hard things have been for you guys. You are one of the most resilient women I know. In the end things will work out because you work hard, you’re an incredible wife, mother and friend and because you deserve it. I’m glad that you’re parents can help out a bit during this tough time. If there is anything you ever need, please don’t hesitate to call. Sending big hugs and love your way!! xo
Lovely recipe, Deborah! I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. I know it must be difficult to juggle it all in the midst of being pregnant. I am a firm believer that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully things will work out for the better in the end. Hang in there!
Oh, Deborah, I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this! How stressful with a baby on the way! You’re amazing and you guys will totally get through this.
Praying for your family!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through a hard time! I have faith everything will work out in the end–hang in there!
I am sorry to hear about your struggles and hope they end soon! I have never commented on your blog before, but I have read it for a long time. One day I was blog browsing and I saw your post about the citrus poke cupcakes. It was so funny because I realized I was in your ward! I had eaten those very cupcakes!! In fact they were so good, when the RS activity was over I sneaked another one to take to my husband and told him that they were the most delicious cupcakes. I was super excited to find out you were in my ward and hoped to meet you in person sometime, but I guess I missed my chance. Good luck with everything! I know it will all work out. You are awesome!
So many wonderful words from so many caring readers….you are loved and admired. Thanks for sharing. Sometimes just that bit of “putting it out there” helps spread the burden, making it lighter on your shoulders! Please take care of yourself and let your parents (Mom’s love caring for their children no matter what their age) treat you to some R & R.
Love, Love, Love peaches too! These cupcakes look scrumptious 🙂
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope everything works out for you and your family in one way or another, sooner than later! Thank goodness for friends and family nearby who are always ready to help.
Hi Deborah – I love your blog. Sorry things have been hard lately. Just curious, what kind of work does your husband do? I work in the financial services industry, but will keep him in mind if I know what he does…
Keep your chin up – difficult times are opportunities for us to grow and become stronger.
Deborah, don’t feel bad that you are using your blog to vent. I hope that you will find comfort in knowing that many of us are or have been through similar tough times (the last few years have had their ups and downs for us personally). I hope that everything works out for you and your family. And moving in with your parents may not only ease financial burdens but having extra help and support with your older children when the baby comes will be a blessing. Good luck with it all! I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!
I’m sending good vibes your way, Deborah! It definitely sounds like you are going through a tough time right now, but things will get better!
On a lighter note, I’m sure your parents will love all of the treats! Cupcakes always seem to brighten my day! 🙂
i’m so sorry for your struggles, deborah! how wonderful that your parents are able to be there for you, though–keep on keepin’ on!
meanwhile, any and every use for peach jam simply wins. 🙂
I’m a bit late to the game (I’m trying to catch up on my google reader) but I just wanted to say that you’re doing such an amazing job and that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! If you have crazy pregnancy cravings and need some cookies and muffins, I will definitely send some along your way 🙂
Good luck with everything…I hope things start to turn around! BTW, these cupcakes sound incredible! 🙂
I don’t know if I’ve ever been to your blog before, but I saw this post on foodgawker and hopped on over. We just canned 14 quarts of peaches on Monday…and after this post, I need to go get more peaches and make jam!
Anyway–I’m not sure if I read your post correctly, but it looks like you’re in UT. And, I haven’t been a long-time reader, so I’m not sure what your husband does for work. But, my friend posted within the past couple of weeks on facebook some job openings at the company he works for in Provo. So, I thought I’d pass on the info to you! Here’s the link to the company’s Career page: http://www.insidesales.com/careers.
I wish you all the best! I can’t imagine trying to do all that you’re keeping up with while being pregnant with your third! I know that you just do what needs to be done and I’m sure it often seems like the edges are fraying, but I’d be willing to bet you’re doing a whole lot better than you think. Good luck with it all!
Deb, you KNOW if there is anything I can do to help you and your cute family, I’m there. The crazy thing is I never, ever see you without a smile and love for those around you. You pretty much rock m’lady. I am so impressed you pored out your feelings, that’s what the medium is for. To share and be a cathartic cleanse once in a while and let us get to know the real you. And although your cupcakes certainly entice me to go right to the recipe, I always read your loverly words first. XO
Wow, I really hope things improve soon. Must say I’m impressed that your blog and related activities are supporting you.
And, the cupcakes look amazing. Bookmarked for next year’s peach season 🙂
I’m so sorry things aren’t going well for your family. I hope things improve very soon.
This is why everyone needs to get out and vote this November. I don’t care who you vote for — just vote for the people that you believe will make this country a better place to live. Take some time to research the issues and the candidates, and really think about who can get the job done. Yes, you can find the time. You need to do this for you, and for your family’s future.
I know what you are going through and it super sucks. Check out dish network they are usually hiring techs. Good luck! I hope your husband finds work soon.
You brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I have been going through something similar since he lost his job in February. I haven’t had the guts to share it on my blog though. I admire you for that and for all you’re doing for your family! I believe everything happens for a reason and I hope everything turns out better in the end than you ever would’ve imagined!
And your cupcakes look amazing! I love peach!
Ok, I just realized this is an old post. Oops! I hope things have looked up in the past year! 🙂
Thanks, Lindsay – it has been an interesting year, but things are definitely in a better place! Hang in there, I know things will improve for in as well!
These cupcakes don’t taste like peach and they are very heavy and thick like a quick bread. The frosting is wonderful. I will be using it on another peach flavored cupcake.
I’m sorry you didn’t like the cupcakes, but I’m glad the frosting was a hit!
I made these for all the maintenance crews at my husbands work, and I can already tell that he likes them. He ate 3 this morning before they were even frosted! Good luck with everything and thanks for the awesome recipe!
Yay!! So glad he liked them!
Can you make it without peach jam?
I haven’t tried, but you could probably leave it out. It is what brings most of the peach flavor to the cupcakes, though, and all of the peach flavor to the frosting.