Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet chocolate peanut butter lava cupcakes offer a decadent twist on traditional desserts that melt in you.

Molten centers promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Soft chocolate cake cradles a rich, gooey core waiting to surprise.

Delicate crumbs give way to velvety peanut butter streams that cascade across your plate.

Nobody can resist these miniature explosions of creamy, intense flavors.

Chocolate and peanut butter create magical chemistry in these irresistible individual treats.

Friends will marvel at your baking skills and beg for seconds.

Prepare to become the ultimate dessert hero at your next gathering.

Lava Cupcakes With Chocolate and Peanut Butter Bliss

  • Quick Chocolate Indulgence: Whip up these decadent lava cupcakes in under an hour for an instant dessert win.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for baking with children, creating sweet memories together while learning basic cooking skills.
  • Surprise Center Delight: Discover a hidden peanut butter surprise in the middle of each rich chocolate cupcake, transforming an ordinary treat into an extraordinary experience.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly for home bakers of all skill levels.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes What You’ll Use

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation for the cupcake's structure, provides essential texture and stability.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates richness and smooth texture in the cupcake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic baking flavor.
  • Buttermilk: Introduces tanginess and helps create tender crumb.
  • Hot Water: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates smooth batter.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy center surprise and complementary flavor to chocolate.
  • Chocolate Chips: Decorative topping that adds extra chocolate crunch.

Molten Chocolate PB Cupcake Instructions That Impress

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cute cupcake liners.

This sets the stage for your delicious adventure.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together these powdery friends:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

This is where the magic begins!

Add eggs one at a time, giving each a thorough mix.

Splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Create Smooth Batter

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

Start and end with dry ingredients to ensure a silky-smooth consistency.

Pour in hot water and stir until the batter looks glossy and even.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully spoon batter into liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Drop a spoonful of creamy peanut butter right into the center of each cupcake.

This creates the surprise lava effect that will make everyone swoon.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the cupcake tops spring back when gently touched.

Your kitchen will smell like chocolate heaven!

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Once completely cooled, top each cupcake with a generous dollop of peanut butter and sprinkle chocolate chips for that final touch of indulgence.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tips for Chocolate Lava Cupcake Fans

  • Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter for nut-free alternatives, maintaining the same creamy consistency and rich flavor profile.
  • Freeze peanut butter in small dollops before adding to cupcake center, ensuring a more controlled and perfectly centered molten center.
  • Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream to create even more tender, moist cupcakes with a luxurious texture.
  • Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients, intensifying the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
  • Lightly grease cupcake liners with cooking spray before filling to ensure easy removal and perfect cupcake presentation.

Reheat Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

  • Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover them gently with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best taste and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For frozen cupcakes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, moist texture and enhance flavor.

Perfect Sips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

  • Pair Creamy Milk Stout with Decadent Chocolate Delight: A rich, smooth milk stout complements the deep chocolate flavor of the cupcakes, while its subtle sweetness enhances the peanut butter notes.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Alongside: The cool, creamy vanilla perfectly balances the warm, rich chocolate and provides a smooth contrast to the dense cupcake texture.
  • Create Salted Caramel Drizzle Companion: A light drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds depth to the cupcakes, elevating the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a sophisticated sweet-salty twist.
  • Match with Strong Espresso: A bold espresso cuts through the richness of the cupcake, cleansing the palate and highlighting the intense chocolate and peanut butter combination.

Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Nutty Spins

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter, and replace buttermilk with almond milk for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for individuals with nut allergies, maintaining the same creamy texture and rich flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Are these cupcakes difficult to make?

No, these chocolate peanut butter lava cupcakes are surprisingly easy. Even beginner bakers can successfully create them by following the step-by-step instructions carefully.

  • Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

  • How do I ensure the peanut butter center creates a lava effect?

Drop a spoonful of peanut butter directly into the center of each cupcake batter before baking. The heat will create a molten, gooey center when you bite into the cupcake.

  • What type of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides the richest chocolate flavor and creates a deeper, more intense chocolate taste in these cupcakes.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Molten chocolate peanut butter lava cupcakes promise a sinful dessert experience that melts hearts with rich, gooey centers. Sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter dance together, creating an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Liquid and Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and positioning cupcake liners within a muffin tin.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Cream butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl, transforming the mixture into a light, airy consistency through vigorous beating.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
  5. Gradually merge dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and introducing hot water to achieve a smooth, velvety batter texture.
  6. Distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling approximately two-thirds of each compartment with precision.
  7. Create a delectable core by gently depositing a concentrated spoonful of peanut butter into the center of each cupcake.
  8. Transfer the prepared muffin tin to the preheated oven, allowing cupcakes to bake for 18-20 minutes until they exhibit a resilient, springy surface when lightly touched.
  9. Remove cupcakes from the oven and permit initial cooling within the tin for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.
  10. Embellish the cooled cupcakes with a luxurious peanut butter topping and garnish with a scattering of chocolate chips for visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure exact 350°F for consistent, perfectly risen cupcakes with gooey centers.
  • No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to create a quick buttermilk alternative.
  • Slightly chill the peanut butter before dropping into cupcake batter to prevent it from sinking completely and create a more defined lava-like center.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make these cupcakes accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 345
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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