The Best Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe Ever Made

Indulgent chocolate cupcakes with a molten peanut butter lava center promise pure dessert bliss.

Decadent and surprisingly simple, these treats combine rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter in every delightful bite.

The warm, gooey peanut butter center oozes out when you break through the tender cake exterior.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will absolutely swoon over this irresistible combination.

Each cupcake delivers a luxurious experience that feels like a professional bakery creation right in your kitchen.

The contrast between the moist chocolate cake and the smooth, melted peanut butter center creates a sensational flavor profile.

You won’t be able to resist these mouthwatering cupcakes that are sure to become a new favorite dessert.

Creative Twists To Try With Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Almond Butter Bliss Cupcakes: Replace peanut butter with smooth almond butter for a nutty alternative, maintaining the same gooey texture and rich flavor profile.
• Vegan Chocolate Haven Cupcakes: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and choose dairy-free milk to create a plant-based version of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Sensation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Indulgence: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and replace powdered sugar with a low-carb alternative to reduce overall sugar content.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Pair with Milk Chocolate Stout: Creamy, rich beer complements the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors, enhancing the dessert's decadent profile with its smooth, malty undertones.
• Match with Espresso Martini: Sharp coffee liqueur cuts through the sweetness, providing a sophisticated contrast while amplifying the chocolate's depth and complexity.
• Serve with Caramel Cream Liqueur: Silky, buttery liqueur echoes the cupcake's rich peanut butter notes, creating a harmonious and indulgent dessert experience.
• Complement with Cold Brew Coffee: Smooth, bold coffee cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the cupcake's intense chocolate and peanut butter layers while offering a refreshing counterpoint.

Tips To Keep Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Fresh

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Place cupcakes in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting and restore texture.
• Gently warm individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds on low power to avoid melting the frosting completely. Check temperature to prevent overheating.

FAQs

• What type of flour works best for these cupcakes?

All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. It provides the right structure and texture for the chocolate cupcake base, ensuring a soft and moist result.

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter has a different consistency and oil content that might affect the filling and frosting’s smoothness.

• Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

What Makes Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Special

• Craft a Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with grilled chicken and optional feta cheese, this salad delivers a strong protein punch perfect for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
• Create a Fresh and Vibrant Meal: Bursting with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mixed greens, the salad offers a refreshing and nutritious dining experience that looks as good as it tastes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple modifications like swapping nuts, adding different cheeses, or adjusting dressing ingredients to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredient assembly make this salad an ideal option for busy individuals seeking a nutritious meal without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients For Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cupcake base.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcake.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cupcake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cupcake flavor.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb and adds slight tanginess.
• Hot Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a richer chocolate flavor.

• Creamy Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth and sweet lava filling.
• Softened Butter: Provides richness and helps create a creamy frosting texture.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to make it spreadable.
• Chocolate Chips, Melted Chocolate, Chocolate Syrup: Add extra chocolate garnish and gooey effect.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a muffin tin and line it with cute cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Pour in hot water and mix until just combined.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Cupcakes

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Peanut Butter Lava

Stir together creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until blended.

Let cupcakes cool completely.

Step 7: Hollow Out Cupcake Centers

Use a spoon or cupcake corer to create a cozy pocket in each cupcake.

Stuff with peanut butter mixture.

Step 8: Whip Up Frosting

Beat peanut butter and softened butter until fluffy.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk to reach perfect spreading consistency.

Step 9: Decorate and Drizzle

Pipe frosting generously on top of filled cupcakes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and drizzle with warm melted chocolate for that irresistible gooey finish.

Helpful Ideas To Perfect Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even baking, preventing dry cupcakes.
• Fill cupcake liners only 2/3 full to allow proper rising and prevent messy spills in the oven.
• Use a small spoon or cupcake corer to remove centers gently, creating space for peanut butter lava without breaking the cupcake.
• Add milk gradually when making frosting to achieve the ideal spreadable consistency without becoming too runny.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate taste in the cupcake base.

Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes melt hearts with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter centers. Sweet indulgence meets pure comfort, promising pure bliss in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Sift together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Whisk vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until well incorporated.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined.
5. Incorporate hot water into the batter, mixing until just smooth.
6. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Create peanut butter filling by blending creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until uniform.
10. Carefully remove centers from cooled cupcakes using a small spoon or cupcake corer.
11. Inject each cupcake with prepared peanut butter filling.
12. Cream peanut butter and softened butter until light and fluffy.
13. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
14. Adjust frosting consistency with milk if needed.
15. Pipe frosting generously over filled cupcakes.
16. Embellish with chocolate chips and drizzle melted chocolate for extra decadence.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers to make the recipe more inclusive.
• Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar to reduce overall sweetness and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the cupcake batter for extra tenderness.
• Consider using dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate for a lower-sugar version that still delivers rich chocolate flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3.4 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg