Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

If you love cupcakes and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with a warm, melty peanut butter center. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in.

Why Make This Recipe

These cupcakes are not just delicious; they are also fun to make! The gooey peanut butter center adds an exciting surprise to each bite. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can impress your friends and family. Making Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes brings joy to your kitchen and sweetness to your table.

How to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Melted chocolate drizzle (optional)
Chopped peanuts (optional)
A dusting of powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

Make the Peanut Butter Lava Filling: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Scoop small teaspoon-sized balls and freeze for 15-20 minutes while preparing the cupcakes.
Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fill & Bake: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center of each cupcake. Cover with more batter until 3/4 full. Bake for 16-18 minutes, until cupcakes are set but slightly soft in the middle.
Cool & Serve: Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan. Drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, or dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy the Gooey Goodness! Serve warm for the ultimate gooey peanut butter lava effect!

How to Serve Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. The contrast of warm cupcakes with cold ice cream is simply delightful!

How to Store Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

If you have any leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze the cupcakes for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to keep them fresh.

Tips to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Make sure the peanut butter balls are well frozen before placing them in the cupcakes. This helps create a gooey center.
Don’t overbake the cupcakes; they should be soft in the middle for the lava effect.
Customize the toppings based on your taste. You can add chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a fun twist.

Variation

Experiment with different nut butters if you want a new flavor! Almond butter or cashew butter can be great substitutes for the peanut butter.

FAQs

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the texture will change a bit, but it can add a nice crunch.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and peanut butter filling in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

3. How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
The edges should be set while the center should be slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the edge should come out clean, but the center should feel wet.

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes!