Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring a fluffy cupcake texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for tender cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.

Step 6: Fold in Peaches

Gently fold in the diced peaches using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can release too much juice from the peaches and affect the batter’s consistency.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 8: Assemble the Cupcakes

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cupcake liner. Add a dollop of cream cheese filling (about 1 teaspoon) to the center, then cover with more batter until the liners are ¾ full.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the non-cheesecake portion comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Honey Peach Glaze

While the cupcakes cool, combine the diced peaches, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, mashing the peaches slightly with a fork, until the mixture thickens. Strain the glaze through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother texture.

Step 11: Decorate

Once the cupcakes have cooled, drizzle the honey peach glaze over each one. Optionally, garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.