Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Let me tell you, if you love peanut butter, chocolate, and cupcakes that basically ooze with flavor, then these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are going to make your day. Imagine taking a bite, and instead of just a fluffy cupcake, you’re hit with a warm, melty peanut butter center that sends your taste buds into overdrive. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will have everyone asking for more—and begging for the secret.

Whether you’re baking for a sweet craving or planning to impress at a party, these cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love them!

Why You’ll Love Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Versatile:

These cupcakes are perfect for almost any occasion! From a cozy movie night to a family birthday party, they’re sure to be the star of the show. Need a treat for a potluck or gathering? These gooey little guys will definitely get some attention.

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to create these little pockets of joy. With basic kitchen staples like flour, sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate, you’re already halfway there. It’s a sweet treat that doesn’t break the bank!

Quick and Easy:

Even if you’re not the most experienced baker, don’t worry! These cupcakes are super easy to make. No complicated techniques—just simple, straightforward steps that lead to big results. Plus, they bake up in no time, so you won’t be waiting long for that delicious first bite.

Customizable:

Want to jazz things up? Feel free to experiment! Add a bit of crushed nuts on top for crunch, or swap in almond butter if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Kids, adults, sweet tooths of all ages—everyone’s going to love these cupcakes. Who can resist that warm, gooey peanut butter center? It’s like the best part of the cupcake is hiding inside, waiting for you to discover it. Pure magic.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the magic behind these cupcakes. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few key ingredients to bring it all together.

Cupcake Base:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cupcake batter. It gives the structure while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a little structure to the batter.
• Cocoa powder: This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• Baking powder: For lift, so your cupcakes rise to perfection.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the cupcakes their soft, moist texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and makes the batter smooth.
• Unsalted butter: For richness and flavor that makes the cupcakes extra delicious.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth to the flavor, making the chocolatey peanut butter combo even better.

Peanut Butter Lava Filling:

• Creamy peanut butter: The gooey center that’s the star of this show. Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth and melty texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens up the peanut butter and helps it set into a smooth filling.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the peanut butter filling and helps it stay smooth and melt in the middle of the cupcake.

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped chocolate or peanut butter chips: For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness on top of the cupcakes.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar for a fancy touch and a bit of sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and become that perfect, golden brown you’re craving.

Prepare the Cupcake Tin:

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. No one wants to deal with sticky cupcakes, right?

Mix the Cupcake Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined—no overmixing here!

Fill the Cupcake Cups:

Spoon the cupcake batter into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Now comes the fun part—create a little well in the center of each cupcake using the back of a spoon, and fill that well with the peanut butter lava filling.

Bake:

Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (but not too much batter!). You want that gooey peanut butter center to stay intact!

Let Them Cool (If You Can!):

Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest allows the lava to set just enough to prevent it from oozing out too quickly when you bite in.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once your cupcakes have cooled a bit, it’s time to dig in! For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add some chopped chocolate. Dive into that gooey peanut butter center, and enjoy the pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 45mg
  Sodium: 160mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
  Protein: 6g
  Vitamin D: 1%
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 6%
  Potassium: 160mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious enough to stand on their own, but if you’re feeling extra, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They also make for an incredible dessert alongside a glass of milk or even a cup of hot cocoa for those colder nights.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve them on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts for an extra pop of flavor.
• Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce for that over-the-top dessert vibe.

Additional Tips

• Make Them Ahead: These cupcakes can be made a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze Them: Yes, you can freeze these little beauties. Simply freeze them without toppings, and then thaw them at room temperature before serving. You’ll still get that warm, gooey center.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Absolutely! If you love a little crunch, feel free to swap it out. It’ll add an extra texture to your cupcakes.

Q2: Can I make the peanut butter filling ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the peanut butter filling a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
A4: Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Of course! Just make sure you have a larger muffin tin or multiple tins, and adjust the baking time if needed.

Q6: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A6: Yes! Almond butter will work just fine. It’ll give the cupcakes a slightly different flavor, but still delicious.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A7: Absolutely! A handful of chocolate chips mixed into the batter will make these cupcakes even more irresistible.

Q8: Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized ones?
A8: You can! Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes, and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Q9: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A9: Yes! Freeze them before adding any toppings. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them and add any toppings.

Q10: Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
A10: Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a dairy-free version and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The result will be just as tasty!

Conclusion

These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a special event or just indulging in something sweet. With their warm, gooey center and rich peanut butter flavor, they’re sure to be a hit. Make them for your next get-together or just as a little mid-week pick-me-up. You won’t regret it! Enjoy every bite!

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