Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

When baking gooey chocolate peanut butter cupcakes, magic happens in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Sweet aromas will drift through every room, tempting everyone nearby.

Creamy peanut butter swirls create delightful pockets of rich flavor inside each tender cake.

Chocolate lovers appreciate how these treats balance intense cocoa with smooth, nutty notes.

Soft crumbs melt dramatically against your tongue, promising pure indulgence.

Small details make these cupcakes extraordinary – from their glossy tops to unexpected taste combinations.

We promise these cupcakes will become your new favorite dessert adventure.

What Goes In Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the baked treats.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcakes' soft texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cupcake.
  • Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic sweetness.
For the Filling and Topping:
  • Peanut Butter, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, rich filling that complements the chocolate base.
  • Chocolate Chips, Butter: Combine to make a luxurious ganache topping.
  • Chopped Peanuts, Powdered Sugar: Add texture and a decorative finish to the cupcakes.
  • Chocolate Syrup: Provides a final decorative and flavor-enhancing drizzle.

How To Make Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a muffin tin. Slide in some cute cupcake liners, making sure they’re evenly spaced for perfect baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder

Shake out any stubborn lumps to get a silky smooth dry mix.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, grab a whisk and combine:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until everything looks smooth and totally combined.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Magic

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully to create a dreamy chocolate batter. Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want it just right.

Step 5: Fill Those Cupcake Homes

Pour the batter into each cupcake liner, filling about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise and get gorgeous.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tin in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs hanging on.

Step 7: Cool Down

Take the cupcakes out and let them chill on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Patience is key!

Step 8: Prepare Peanut Butter Surprise

Warm up:
  • Peanut butter
  • Heavy cream

Stir until it’s smooth and slightly runny.

Step 9: Create Cupcake Centers

Use a small knife to create a little core in each cupcake. Carefully fill these centers with the warm peanut butter mixture.

Step 10: Craft Chocolate Ganache

Melt together:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Softened butter

Stir until you’ve got a rich, glossy ganache.

Step 11: Drizzle and Decorate

Pour the chocolate ganache over each cupcake, letting it beautifully cascade down the sides.

Step 12: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped peanuts and dust with powdered sugar for that bakery-style finish.

Step 13: Create Chocolate Art

Finish with a playful zigzag of chocolate syrup across the top for that extra wow factor.

Tips To Get Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Right

  • Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture moist and tender, which can cause tough, dense cupcakes.
  • Perfect Peanut Butter Filling: Warm the peanut butter and cream mixture slightly to ensure smooth, easy filling without tearing the cupcake.
  • Consistent Baking: Use a standard ice cream scoop to measure batter evenly, guaranteeing uniform cupcake sizes and consistent baking times.
  • Ganache Trick: Let the chocolate ganache cool slightly before drizzling to achieve the ideal thickness and smooth flow over cupcakes.
  • Store Smart: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Delicious Spins On Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate taste while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace milk with almond or soy milk for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

Tasty Pairings For Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

  • Coffee Companionship: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino perfectly balances the sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dessert's complex flavors.
  • Wine Wonderland: Select a sweet port wine or a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the chocolate's depth and provides a luxurious drinking experience alongside the decadent cupcake.
  • Milk Magic: Cold whole milk or creamy almond milk creates a classic pairing that neutralizes the cupcake's intense sweetness, offering a refreshing counterpoint and smooth texture that cleanses the palate.

How To Store Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing frosting from sticking together.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their moist texture and flavor.
  • Keep cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious away from direct sunlight.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Questions Solved

  • How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough, dry cupcakes. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

Yes, but choose a creamy variety with minimal separation. Stir the peanut butter well before using to ensure a smooth consistency for filling the cupcake centers.

  • What's the best way to core the cupcakes for filling?

Use a small paring knife or a cupcake corer tool. Insert it at an angle, twist gently, and remove a small plug of cake. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the cupcake.

Why Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Are So Loved

  • Create Quick Chocolate Magic: Discover a delightful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into decadent chocolate peanut butter cupcakes with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Customize Your Dessert Adventure: Personalize each cupcake with different toppings like chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzles, or powdered sugar for a unique sweet experience.
  • Master Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress family and friends with professional-looking cupcakes that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery, without professional baking expertise.
  • Indulge in Comfort Food Bliss: Enjoy the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that satisfies sweet cravings and brings instant joy to any gathering.
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Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these irresistible gooey chocolate peanut butter cupcakes that blend rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter into one heavenly dessert. Sweet indulgence meets pure comfort, promising a delightful escape for anyone craving a delectable treat you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling and Topping:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Decoration:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing for consistent baking.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth dry mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform chocolate batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Fill each cupcake liner approximately 2/3 full with the chocolate batter, allowing room for rising during baking.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
  7. Remove cupcakes from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
  8. Prepare the filling by warming peanut butter and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth and slightly runny.
  9. Use a small knife to create a core in each cupcake, then carefully fill the center with the warm peanut butter mixture.
  10. Melt chocolate chips and mix with softened butter to create a rich chocolate ganache for topping.
  11. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over each cupcake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
  12. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and dust with powdered sugar for a final decorative touch.
  13. Finish by adding a light zigzag of chocolate syrup across the top for visual appeal and extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Gentle mixing prevents tough cupcakes, so fold ingredients with a light hand to keep the texture tender and delicate.
  • Create uniform cupcakes by using an ice cream scoop for precise batter portioning, ensuring even baking and consistent size.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and techniques.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before filling to prevent structural collapse and maintain the integrity of the peanut butter center.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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