Nothing beats the delightful combo of chocolate and peanut butter, especially when it’s baked into tender, moist cupcakes bursting with a luscious filling inside. This Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe is an irresistible treat that balances rich cocoa flavors with creamy peanut butter, making every bite a heavenly experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, depth, and sweetness of the cupcakes. From the cocoa powder that gives that deep chocolate flavor to the peanut butter that adds richness and that signature gooey middle, every component works in harmony.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup/120g): The base that provides structure and tenderness to the cupcakes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup/50g): Adds intense chocolate flavor with a rich color.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps cupcakes rise beautifully, ensuring fluffiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup/115g, softened): Provides moisture and a tender crumb in the batter.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup/200g): Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with moisture retention.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and add richness and stability.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup/120ml): Keeps cupcakes moist and tender.
- Boiling water (1/2 cup/120ml): Intensifies the chocolate flavor while keeping the batter smooth.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup/125g for filling and 1/2 cup/125g for frosting): Essential for that luscious gooey center and dreamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup/30g for filling and 2 cups/240g for frosting): Sweetens and smooths fillings and frosting perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (additional 1/4 teaspoon for filling and 1 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances the peanut butter’s flavor in the filling and frosting.
- Unsalted butter (additional 1/2 cup/115g, softened for frosting): Makes the frosting wonderfully creamy and fluffy.
How to Make Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa flavor. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk into the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to keep your cupcakes light. Finish by carefully adding the boiling water and mixing until smooth—this helps intensify the chocolate flavor and creates a moist batter.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising without overflowing.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Place your filled tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean when inserted into the center. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps keep them moist and prevents crumbling when you fill them.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
Mix creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and the additional vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This simple filling is sweet, creamy, and perfectly contrasts the deep chocolate cupcake exterior.
Step 6: Fill the Cupcakes
Once cooled, hollow out the center of each cupcake using a small knife or cupcake corer to create a well. Spoon the peanut butter filling into each cavity, smoothing the tops gently with a spoon to prepare for frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until the frosting is light, airy, and fluffy—ready to be the crowning glory on your cupcakes.
Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes
Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a pretty, professional look or simply spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cupcake using a knife. This frosting adds that irresistible creamy finish to your Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Your Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are ready to be devoured. Each bite brings you the perfect combination of moist chocolate cake, gooey peanut butter filling, and luscious frosting—truly a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cupcakes by garnishing with chopped roasted peanuts for an added crunch, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the peanut butter’s richness. These little touches turn your cupcakes into showstoppers and tantalize the senses even further.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee or espresso for a delightful contrast. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad also complement the dense flavors wonderfully and add a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cupcakes in decorative cupcake liners or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. You can also place them in individual clear boxes with a ribbon for gifting. Another fun idea is to add a small dollop of peanut butter frosting on each cupcake’s bottom and sandwich two cupcakes together for a decadent peanut butter chocolate cupcake “sandwich.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best—just bring cupcakes back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Place them unfrosted in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Frost them only after they thaw to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the fridge. Warm frosting-topped cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired, just enough to soften but not melt the frosting. This brings out the gooey peanut butter filling even more.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter may have a different texture and oil separation that can affect your filling and frosting consistency. For best results, stick to creamy peanut butter as it blends smoothly and retains the desired gooeyness.
Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and follow the same measurement. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be amazing.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan?
Converting this recipe to vegan requires several substitutions: use a plant-based butter and milk alternative, and replace eggs with flax eggs or other vegan egg substitutes. Also, check peanut butter ingredients to ensure they’re vegan-friendly. The cupcakes will still be delicious with these tweaks.
How do I prevent the peanut butter filling from oozing out too much?
Make sure to cool the cupcakes thoroughly before coring and filling them. Using a firm peanut butter filling (with powdered sugar added) helps it hold its shape better. Filling the cupcakes just enough without overstuffing also prevents overflow.
Can I use this frosting recipe on other desserts?
Absolutely! This creamy peanut butter frosting is versatile and works wonderfully on cakes, brownies, or even as a dip for fruit. It’s a great way to add peanut butter goodness wherever you want a sweet, rich touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cupcake experience that’s bursting with flavor and filled with a delightful gooey surprise, this Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds! So grab your ingredients, bake with love, and get ready to share pure happiness one scrumptious cupcake at a time.
Print
Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter filling and fluffy peanut butter frosting. Perfectly moist and indulgent, these cupcakes bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter for a delightful treat that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in boiling water to create a smooth batter.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, blend creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a luscious filling.
- Fill the Cupcakes: Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small center portion from each cupcake. Fill the well with the peanut butter mixture, smoothing the top.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe the peanut butter frosting onto each cupcake with a star tip or spread with a knife for a decorative finish.
- Serve: Enjoy your gooey chocolate peanut butter cupcakes fresh and share the delight.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
- Boiling water added to the batter intensifies the cocoa flavor and makes the cupcakes moist.
- Use a cupcake corer or small knife carefully to avoid breaking the cupcakes when filling.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whole milk and butter with plant-based versions.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
