Name: Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 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; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk (for consistency); Chocolate chips; Warm melted chocolate or chocolate syrup (for drizzling)

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Let me take you on a sweet, gooey journey with these Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes. These cupcakes are pure bliss—think of a soft, rich cupcake with a warm, gooey peanut butter center that oozes out as you take your first bite. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a decadent treat, these cupcakes will hit the spot. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a fun, indulgent treat that will leave everyone craving more. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re craving something sweet for a weekend treat or need a fun dessert for a party, these lava cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Imagine serving these at your next gathering and seeing everyone’s eyes light up when they break into that gooey peanut butter center!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dessert. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, meaning you can whip these up even when your pantry is looking a little bare. Plus, they’re so rich and satisfying that you won’t need to make tons of them!

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a baking expert to pull these off. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these mouth-watering cupcakes ready in no time. No complicated techniques—just gooey deliciousness!

Crowd-Pleasing: No one can resist that peanut butter filling! Whether you’re making them for the kids or sharing with friends, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients in Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Here’s where the magic happens! These cupcakes use basic ingredients, but the combination will leave you craving them again and again. Let’s break it down:

Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! The creamy, rich peanut butter creates that unforgettable lava center. You want the smooth kind for the best melt.

Butter: A little butter helps give the cupcakes that rich, tender crumb. It adds flavor and moisture, creating a soft, delicious texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key to making these cupcakes irresistible. Sugar gives the cupcakes that perfect sweetness, balancing the rich peanut butter filling.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the batter. They also help hold everything together while allowing the cupcakes to rise beautifully.

Flour: The flour gives the cupcakes their structure. We’re looking for a light and fluffy texture, so make sure not to overmix!

Cocoa Powder: A little cocoa powder adds a touch of richness and depth to the flavor of the cupcake. It’s not overwhelming, but it complements the peanut butter beautifully.

Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds a sweet, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these ooey-gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and the perfect rise.

Prepare Your Cupcake Tin: Grease your muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners. This step makes sure your cupcakes come out easily after baking.

Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat together eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Scoop the Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.

Add the Peanut Butter Filling: Using a spoon, drop a dollop of peanut butter in the center of each cupcake. This is what creates that irresistible gooey center when you bite into it!

Bake the Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes. The tops should be set, but the center will still be soft and gooey. A toothpick inserted into the edge of the cupcake will come out clean, but the center will remain slightly molten.

Cool Slightly: Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the peanut butter filling is still gooey and irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these cupcakes as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: 280
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect as a standalone dessert, but if you want to elevate your serving experience, here are a few ideas:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side complements the warm, gooey cupcake and adds a lovely contrast in texture.

Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is always a good idea. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top for a little crunch.

Fresh Fruit: A few fresh berries or a slice of banana would pair wonderfully with the richness of the cupcakes.

Coffee or Milk: A glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee is the perfect pairing for these cupcakes. The flavors of peanut butter and chocolate just seem to go hand-in-hand with a warm beverage.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your cupcakes come out perfectly every time:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s always a good idea to bring your butter, eggs, and peanut butter to room temperature before you start. This helps everything combine smoothly and gives the best texture.

Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense and tough.

Storage: These cupcakes are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can even reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey center.

Make a Double Batch: These are so delicious that they might disappear fast! If you want to make sure there’s enough for everyone (and some extras for yourself), consider doubling the recipe.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute peanut butter with almond butter?
A1: Yes, you can swap peanut butter for almond butter. The flavor will be a little different, but it will still be delicious!

Q2: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare them the night before and store them in an airtight container. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to reheat the peanut butter center.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days for longer freshness.

Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Q5: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A5: Natural peanut butter works, but it may be a bit runnier, which could affect the gooey center. If using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s stirred well.

Q6: How can I make these cupcakes more chocolatey?
A6: You can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey flavor. Just fold them in gently before scooping into the muffin tin.

Q7: Can I make these gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

Q8: Can I use mini muffin tins?
A8: You can use mini muffin tins, but reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, and check for the same gooey texture.

Q9: Can I add other fillings besides peanut butter?
A9: Yes, you can fill these cupcakes with other ingredients like Nutella, chocolate ganache, or caramel for a different twist.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger batch. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Conclusion

These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter! They’re easy to make, totally satisfying, and will impress anyone you share them with. So go ahead, treat yourself to these gooey, chocolatey, peanut butter-filled delights—you deserve it!