Discover pure dessert bliss with these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes—an irresistible marriage of moist chocolate cake and a molten peanut butter core. Each bite burst with chocolatey richness and a creamy, gooey center, making them a showstopper for both peanut butter devotees and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you need a bake-sale winner or a cozy treat for a quiet night in, these cupcakes promise a decadent, unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, every ingredient plays a starring role in crafting flavor and that gooey-in-the-middle magic. You don’t need anything fancy—just simple kitchen staples that, together, create culinary fireworks!
- All-purpose flour: This is the structural backbone that keeps our cupcakes tender yet sturdy enough to hold a gooey center.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Go for a good-quality cocoa powder for deep, authentic chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Our secret to making each cupcake light and fluffy rather than dense.
- Salt: Just a touch wakes up all the sweet and nutty flavors—never skip this pinch!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creamed with sugar, butter brings lusciousness and richness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that beautiful, slightly crackly cupcake top.
- Eggs: The binder! Eggs keep everything together and help the cupcakes rise.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, aromatic depth that elevates the entire cupcake.
- Milk: Moistens the batter and ensures a perfectly soft crumb in your Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes.
- Creamy peanut butter: The luscious lava! Use your favorite for the creamiest results.
- Powdered sugar: Mixed with peanut butter, this creates a sweet, silky filling with just the right texture.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For extra bursts of chocolate in every bite—they also make the tops extra pretty!
How to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with twelve paper liners—this makes for easy cupcake removal and minimum mess. You’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This quick mix ensures your cupcakes rise evenly and the chocolate flavor is perfectly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and creamy. This step is key for creating those pillowy-soft, bakery-style cupcakes everyone craves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding the eggs individually gives your batter a smooth, uniform texture, and the vanilla makes every bite fragrant and comforting.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixes
Now, blend in half of your dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Pour in the milk, then finish by incorporating the remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently—just until everything is combined—to keep your cupcakes tender.
Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Lava
In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with the powdered sugar until you have a thick, smooth filling. This will be the gooey heart of your Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes!
Step 7: Fill and Layer the Cupcakes
Spoon cupcake batter into each lined cup, filling halfway. Add a generous teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into the center of each, then cover with more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full. For even more decadence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
Step 8: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are set but still have a gentle wobble in the middle—this keeps the peanut butter center molten and dreamy. Cool for five minutes, then dive in while they’re warm and gooey!
How to Serve Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
Garnishes
Make your Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes even more irresistible by topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm melted chocolate. For a playful touch, a few extra mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt are just the ticket to take these cupcakes from delicious to downright delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk, a creamy vanilla milkshake, or strong coffee to balance their richness. For something brighter, serve with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt or a side of tart raspberries—their freshness cuts perfectly through the decadent peanut butter center.
Creative Ways to Present
Get fancy! Try serving the cupcakes slightly warmed with a scoop of ice cream for a sundae-vibe, or build a cupcake tower at your next celebration. For parties, place each cupcake into a colorful ramekin or teacup—every guest will feel like they’re getting their own mini lava cake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, though be aware they’ll lose a bit of gooiness as they chill. Let them return to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze wonderfully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When a craving hits, simply let a cupcake thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To revive the gooey center, microwave a cupcake for 10–15 seconds—just enough to warm the peanut butter lava back to its decadent state. If heating from frozen, add a few extra seconds and check until perfectly warm but not overdone.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add little bits of peanut for extra texture in the gooey lava center. Just know that the filling will be slightly less smooth, but still incredibly delicious.
Can I make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Just check the rest of your ingredients (especially the baking powder) to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Do these cupcakes need to be served warm?
For the very best lava effect, serve the Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes warm. The center stays deliciously molten and melty. If you have leftovers, just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to bring that gooey magic back!
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
You can use either natural or Dutch process cocoa powder, but Dutch process will give a richer, darker chocolate flavor that stands up beautifully to the salty-sweet peanut butter center.
Can I add extra chocolate to the peanut butter center?
Yes, you can! For an even more indulgent filling, mix in 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into the peanut butter center, as noted in the recipe tip. It’s chocolate-peanut butter heaven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit special, these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are calling your name. Get your mixing bowls ready, invite some friends over, and let the gooey goodness begin—your sweet tooth will thank you!
Print
Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, a rich and gooey dessert that combines chocolate and peanut butter in a delectable treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix in dry ingredients, milk, and remaining dry ingredients.
- Make peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, add peanut butter mixture in the center, cover with more batter, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until set but slightly soft in the center.
- Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm for a gooey lava effect.
Notes
- For a richer filling, mix melted chocolate into the peanut butter center.
- Best served warm for gooey peanut butter.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
