They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal steps and simple ingredients. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up a batch of these decadent treats. Plus, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, holidays, or just a special treat for yourself.
Ready to dive in? Try these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes tonight—you won’t believe how simple and satisfying they are!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Tip: For extra richness, use European-style butter, which has a higher fat content.
Tip: Salt pasta water like the ocean for flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cupcake texture. Properly creaming the butter and sugars incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light and airy base for the cupcakes. This process helps to ensure that the cupcakes will be soft and moist, rather than dense and heavy.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a smooth batter. Adding eggs one at a time helps to emulsify the batter, creating a stable mixture that prevents separation. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping the cupcakes rise properly. Even distribution of the baking powder is essential for a consistent rise.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cupcakes. Alternating wet and dry ingredients ensures that the flour is evenly incorporated into the batter, preventing gluten development and resulting in a tender crumb. Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes due to excessive gluten formation.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. The peanut butter filling should be smooth and creamy to create a delightful molten center in the cupcakes. Adding milk helps to achieve the desired consistency.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the chocolate batter. Place a spoonful of the peanut butter filling in the center of each cupcake. Top with the remaining chocolate batter, ensuring the peanut butter filling is covered. Layering the batter and filling in this way helps to create the signature lava effect, with the peanut butter oozing out when the cupcakes are warm. Covering the peanut butter filling with batter ensures that it remains molten during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The key is to bake them just until set so that the peanut butter center remains molten. Follow these CDC Guidelines on Baking for tips on food safety. Baking the cupcakes until just set ensures that the peanut butter center remains gooey and molten. Overbaking can result in a dry cupcake with a hardened center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cupcakes are best served warm, with the peanut butter center still gooey. Cooling the cupcakes slightly in the muffin tin prevents them from breaking apart when transferred to a wire rack. Serving them warm enhances the molten lava effect and overall flavor experience.
Serving Ideas for Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are delightful on their own, but with a few thoughtful pairings and plating ideas, you can elevate them into a truly unforgettable dessert experience. These rich, decadent cupcakes pair beautifully with both contrasting and complementary flavors, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
For a classic pairing, serve the cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey center of the cupcake, while the vanilla flavor complements both the chocolate and peanut butter. To elevate the presentation, dust the plate with cocoa powder and arrange a few fresh raspberries around the cupcake and ice cream. The pop of color and tartness of the raspberries will balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Another fantastic option is to pair the cupcakes with a rich coffee drink. A latte or cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a cozy and comforting treat. For a more sophisticated touch, serve the cupcakes with a glass of chilled milk stout. The roasted malt flavors in the stout will complement the chocolate, while the creamy texture will echo the gooey peanut butter center.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, consider serving the cupcakes with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The saltiness of the caramel will enhance the sweetness of the cupcake, while the smooth texture will add another layer of indulgence. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a visually appealing and flavor-packed finish. Arrange the cupcake on a small plate with a swirl of caramel sauce, and top with a few flakes of sea salt for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
For a lighter pairing, serve the cupcakes with a refreshing fruit salad. A mix of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, will provide a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cupcake. A simple dusting of powdered sugar on the fruit salad will add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This pairing is perfect for warmer weather or for those who prefer a less heavy dessert option.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cupcake batter and peanut butter filling ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, fill the cupcake liners and bake as directed. However, these cupcakes are best served warm and fresh, so if possible, bake them shortly before serving to ensure the peanut butter center is perfectly gooey.
2. How do I store leftover Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes?
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the gooey peanut butter center. You can also gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore the molten lava effect.
3. Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on the nut butter you choose, but the result will still be delicious. You can check The nutritional value of peanuts to understand the nutritional value
4. What can I do if my peanut butter filling is too thick?
If your peanut butter filling is too thick, simply add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. You want the filling to be smooth and creamy, but not too runny. Make sure to mix well after each addition of milk to ensure it is fully incorporated.
5. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these cupcakes gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. Follow the recipe as directed, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes in no time.
6. How do I prevent the peanut butter filling from sinking to the bottom of the cupcake?
To prevent the peanut butter filling from sinking, make sure to fill the cupcake liners about halfway with the chocolate batter before adding the peanut butter filling. Then, gently place a spoonful of the peanut butter filling in the center of each cupcake, and top with the remaining chocolate batter, ensuring the peanut butter filling is completely covered. This method helps to keep the filling suspended in the middle of the cupcake during baking.
Conclusion:
Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are a decadent treat that brings together the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a warm, molten package. With their ease of preparation and irresistible flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a special celebration.
By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can create cupcakes that are sure to impress. The rich chocolate batter, combined with the gooey peanut butter center, offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, or a refreshing fruit salad to elevate the experience even further.
Pro Tips: For an extra fudgy cupcake, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter. This will enhance the moisture and richness of the chocolate. If you want to intensify the peanut butter flavor, use a natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt in the filling. This will give the cupcakes a more pronounced peanut butter taste that complements the sweet chocolate.
Consider these variations to customize the recipe to your liking. For a chocolate peanut butter swirl effect, swirl the peanut butter filling into the chocolate batter before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled pattern and ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. Another delicious variation is to add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are a must-try. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful treats today! And if you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, you might also enjoy these Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies. Or, for another unique treat, check out these Honey Butter Cornbread Popper Recipe.
PrintDelicious Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
Indulge in these decadent peanut butter lava cupcakes! A rich chocolate cupcake with a molten peanut butter center. Perfect for peanut butter lovers!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients to prepare cake mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake mix according to package directions.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with cake batter.
- Place a spoonful of peanut butter mixture into the center of each cupcake.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving. The peanut butter center will be molten!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.