If you’re a peanut butter and chocolate lover (who isn’t?), you’re in for a treat that’ll blow your mind! These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey goodness and creamy peanut butter decadence. Each bite is a flavor explosion, with a surprise gooey peanut butter center that’ll make you swoon.

Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you – this one’s been a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert you make to impress guests, celebrate special occasions, or simply treat yourself because, hey, you deserve it!

Ready to whip these up? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Decadent Taste

These cupcakes are pure indulgence. The chocolate base is moist and fudgy, while the lava-like peanut butter center adds a gooey, creamy element. Topped with peanut butter frosting and melted chocolate, they’re the ultimate dessert for any chocoholic.

Easy to Make

Despite their fancy appearance, these cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need a lot of advanced baking skills – just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be golden.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, these cupcakes steal the show. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser – everyone loves the surprise peanut butter filling!

Ingredients for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water

Peanut Butter Filling

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
12 mini peanut butter cups

Peanut Butter Frosting

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish

1 cup chocolate chips, melted
Additional mini peanut butter cups for topping

Tools You’ll Need

Muffin tin and cupcake liners
Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
Hand or stand mixer
Whisk
Spoon or piping bag for filling
Spatula for frosting

How to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

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 the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, tender cupcake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 6: Add Hot Water

Stir in the hot water last. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin – this is what makes the cupcakes so moist and fudgy!

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake and fill it with this peanut butter mixture.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

Using a mixer, beat 1 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Frost each cupcake generously with the peanut butter frosting. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a beautiful finish, and garnish with mini peanut butter cups.

What to Serve with Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes pair beautifully with:

A tall glass of milk – because you’ll need it to wash down all that chocolatey goodness!
Hot coffee or espresso – the slight bitterness complements the sweet cupcakes perfectly.
Vanilla ice cream – for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips for Perfect Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in better texture.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Overbaking will dry out the cupcakes, so check for doneness early.
Chill the Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes before piping or spreading.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chunky Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?

Yes, but keep in mind that the filling and frosting will have a slightly grainy texture due to the peanut pieces.

Can I Make These Cupcakes Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

How Do I Get the Perfect Lava Effect?

Ensure the peanut butter filling is gooey by not overmixing the powdered sugar – you want it thick but still soft.

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes! With their rich chocolate base, gooey peanut butter core, and luscious frosting, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for a party or indulging on a quiet weekend, these cupcakes are pure joy in every bite.

Love this recipe? If you’re craving even more indulgent treats, check out Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll or these irresistible Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies.

I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest, and don’t forget to subscribe for more decadent recipes. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Calories: 420
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g