Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

If you’re someone who loves the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter (who doesn’t?), then prepare yourself for a real treat! These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are everything you could possibly want in a dessert—rich, decadent chocolate, a gooey, melty peanut butter center, and a moist, soft cupcake that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The best part? The peanut butter center oozes out like a dream when you bite into it, making every single bite a magical experience. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to dessert for every occasion!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating yourself after a long day, or surprising your loved ones with something extra special, these cupcakes will be the star of the show. Get ready to have everyone asking for the recipe—because, yes, they’ll definitely want to know how to make these little indulgent bites of heaven!

Why You’ll Love Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Chocolate + Peanut Butter = Magic

Is there a better pairing than chocolate and peanut butter? I don’t think so. These cupcakes combine the richness of chocolate with the creamy, salty goodness of peanut butter, creating the perfect flavor balance in every bite.

Gooey Center

The gooey peanut butter center is what makes these cupcakes stand out from the crowd. It’s soft, warm, and melts in your mouth—basically the perfect little surprise hidden inside each cupcake.

Easy to Make

While they look like an impressive treat, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. No fancy techniques here, just mix and bake, and you’ll have a dessert that’ll wow your guests.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, a bake sale, or a casual get-together, these Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes fit every occasion. They’re guaranteed to satisfy both chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans alike!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious cupcakes to life:

All-Purpose Flour

This gives the cupcakes their structure, making them soft and moist.

Cocoa Powder

Rich, dark cocoa powder ensures these cupcakes have that deep, chocolatey flavor we all crave.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda

These help the cupcakes rise perfectly and give them that light, fluffy texture.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and balances the flavor of the peanut butter.

Sugar

A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar makes the cupcakes perfectly sweet and moist.

Eggs

Eggs bind everything together and help create that fluffy texture.

Milk

Milk adds moisture and helps bring everything together into a smooth batter.

Vegetable Oil

For that soft, moist crumb and rich texture, vegetable oil is a must.

Vanilla Extract

A dash of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the chocolate.

Peanut Butter

Smooth peanut butter is key for that gooey, creamy center, and it pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Mini Peanut Butter Cups

These mini peanut butter cups are the hidden surprise inside! They melt beautifully to create a gooey peanut butter filling.

Powdered Sugar

You’ll use this to make a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling that’s the star of the show inside each cupcake.

(Note: Full measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making these Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes is easier than you might think! Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be your gooey filling.

4. Assemble the Cupcakes

Spoon a small amount of chocolate batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, place a mini peanut butter cup in the center of each cupcake. Spoon a bit of the peanut butter filling on top of the mini peanut butter cup, followed by more of the chocolate batter, filling each liner about ¾ of the way full.

5. Bake

Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as the gooey peanut butter center may make them a bit tricky to test with a toothpick.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled down a bit, it’s time to enjoy that gooey, peanut buttery goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes (depending on size)

Calories per serving: 270-300 calories

Nutrition Breakdown:

• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Calcium: 40mg

(Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and serving sizes.)

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

Serve with a Glass of Milk

There’s something about chocolate and peanut butter that just screams for a glass of cold milk. Whether it’s regular milk, almond milk, or a dairy-free option, it’s the perfect pairing to balance out the sweetness of the cupcakes.

Top with Whipped Cream

For a little extra indulgence, top your cupcakes with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate and peanut butter.

Add Extra Peanut Butter Drizzle

For the ultimate peanut butter lovers, drizzle extra melted peanut butter over the top of your cupcakes. It’s the peanut butter dream come true.

Serve at a Party

These cupcakes make an amazing dessert for any occasion. They’re sure to be the highlight of birthday parties, potlucks, or any event that calls for a little something sweet and indulgent.

Additional Tips

Customize the Filling

Feel free to get creative with your filling! You could add a few chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture or use chunky peanut butter for some extra texture.

Make It Peanut-Free

If you need to make this recipe peanut-free, you can swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut or seed butter of your choice.

Store Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (which I highly doubt), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you want them to stay fresh for a little longer.

Freeze for Later

These cupcakes freeze wonderfully! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?

A1: Absolutely! Smooth peanut butter works perfectly for these cupcakes. It will create a smoother filling, but if you like a bit of crunch, you can always go for chunky peanut butter.

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes without mini peanut butter cups?

A2: Yes! If you don’t have mini peanut butter cups, you can skip them and just use the peanut butter filling in the center of the cupcake. It will still be delicious.

Q3: Can I make the peanut butter filling ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter filling ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cupcakes.

Q4: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

A4: You can use gluten-free flour if you need to make this recipe gluten-free, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.

Q5: How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

A5: The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the chocolate batter (not the peanut butter filling) comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Q6: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

A6: Yes, almond milk or any other dairy-free milk works great in this recipe.

Q7: Can I frost these cupcakes with something?

A7: Absolutely! You can frost these cupcakes with chocolate or peanut butter frosting, but they’re already pretty rich and indulgent without the frosting.

Q8: Can I use a muffin pan instead of a cupcake tin?

A8: Yes! You can use a muffin pan, but your cupcakes will be a bit larger. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

Q9: Can I use a store-bought cake mix for these cupcakes?

A9: Yes, you can use a box of chocolate cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch, but the homemade batter gives the cupcakes a richer flavor.

Q10: Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized ones?

A10: Yes, mini cupcakes are a great option! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream come true. With a rich chocolate base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a gooey center, every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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