Name: Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cupcakes: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; For the Peanut Butter Filling: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; For the Toppings: 1/4 cup peanut butter chips; 1/4 cup chocolate chips; 1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional); 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting; 1/4 cup caramel sauce

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes bring together the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite, with a delightful surprise of peanut butter in the center. The moist, chocolatey cake complements the creamy peanut butter perfectly, while the frosting and caramel drizzle add a touch of sweetness and indulgence. The cupcakes are also topped with a mix of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Plus, they are easy to make and only require simple ingredients, making them an accessible treat for all levels of bakers.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional for topping)
1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
1/4 cup caramel sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Then drop a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter into the center of each cupcake. Cover the peanut butter with more batter, filling each liner about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Frost and Top
Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cupcake. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces (if using).

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve and enjoy the delicious surprise of the gooey peanut butter center!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Different Fillings: You can try swapping the peanut butter center with Nutella or another nut butter for a unique twist.
Toppings: Add crushed peanuts, chopped chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
Lower Sugar: You can substitute some of the sugar with a sugar substitute if you want to reduce the sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave the cupcakes for 10-15 seconds or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to soften the frosting and warm the peanut butter center.

FAQs

1. Can I make the peanut butter filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

2. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, these cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, though the texture may be a bit different. The gooey center will still be delicious.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting will work fine in place of homemade cream cheese frosting.

5. Can I make these cupcakes without caramel sauce?

Yes, the caramel sauce is optional, but it adds a sweet and rich drizzle that enhances the flavor. You can skip it or substitute with another topping like chocolate syrup.

6. How can I make the frosting fluffier?

To make the cream cheese frosting fluffier, beat it for a few extra minutes and add a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.

7. What can I use instead of whole milk?

You can use 2% milk or almond milk as a substitute for whole milk if needed.

8. Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Can I add more peanut butter chips?

Yes, you can increase the amount of peanut butter chips for extra peanut butter flavor in the cupcakes or on top for garnish.

10. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to overfill the cupcake liners, and be careful not to open the oven door too often while baking, as this can cause sinking in the middle.

Conclusion

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the perfect indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With their soft, fudgy texture, surprise peanut butter center, and decadent frosting, these cupcakes are a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth in the best way possible. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness!

Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

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Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. These soft and fudgy cupcakes feature a rich, gooey peanut butter center, creamy cream cheese frosting, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Topped with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. Easy to make and customizable, these cupcakes are a showstopper at any event or for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 40min
Yield: 12cups
Category: Dessert, Cupcakes, Chocolate
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Add a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter into the center, then cover with more batter, filling the liners about 3/4 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Frost and Top: Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on each cupcake. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces.
Serve: Serve and enjoy the gooey peanut butter surprise in every bite!

Notes

You can swap the creamy peanut butter for crunchy for a bit of extra texture.
If desired, skip the caramel sauce or substitute with chocolate syrup for a different flavor.
These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly.