Why Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes Are Worth Making

If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes will quickly become a favorite. Moist chocolate cake hides a creamy peanut butter filling, topped with fluffy peanut butter frosting. Each bite is rich, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.

What Makes These Cupcakes Special

These cupcakes have a hidden peanut butter “lava” center that melts as you bite in. It’s the perfect balance of chocolate richness and nutty sweetness, similar to a lava cake but in a cupcake form.

When to Serve Them

These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or weekend treats. They look bakery-quality but are simple enough to prepare at home. Pair them with milk or coffee for the best experience.

Why You’ll Keep Making Them

They’re quick, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. With pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip up these cupcakes anytime you need a special dessert.

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 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

Lava Filling:

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Garnish:

• Chocolate chips
• Melted chocolate drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Lava Filling

Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full. Mix peanut butter and powdered sugar, then drop a teaspoon of this mixture into the center of each cupcake.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until set. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in heavy cream until fluffy. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chocolate chips and drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes

Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Q1: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, bake a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Frost before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost.

Q3: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but the filling will be less smooth.

Q4: How do I make them extra chocolatey?

Add chocolate chips to the batter for double indulgence.