Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

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These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes are an irresistible treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich, moist chocolate cake and a creamy, dreamy peanut butter center. Topped with luscious peanut butter frosting and a drizzle of melted chocolate, they make a decadent dessert for any occasion—or no occasion at all.

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Perfectly indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make, these cupcakes are a must-try for peanut butter lovers and chocolate fanatics alike. The hidden core of gooey peanut butter inside each cupcake delivers a mouthful of delight with every bite, while the finishing touch—a mini peanut butter cup on top—makes them practically irresistible.


What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe as it blends smoothly into the batter and fills the center of the cupcakes beautifully. Natural peanut butter can be used, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or runny. For a more indulgent texture, go for a no-stir, store-bought version like Jif or Skippy.


Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure to the cupcake base.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cupcakes that deep, chocolatey richness.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix ensures balanced sweetness and extra moisture.

Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.

Baking Soda: Gives the cupcakes their perfect rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Buttermilk: Keeps the cupcakes super moist and tender.

Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and ensures a moist texture.

Vanilla Extract: A must for depth of flavor.

Hot Water: Helps bloom the cocoa for an extra chocolate punch.

Peanut Butter: Both for the gooey center and the frosting. Use a creamy, high-quality version.

Butter: Softened butter helps make the frosting ultra creamy.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.

Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers: For that silky drizzle on top.

Mini Peanut Butter Cups: The perfect final touch on each frosted cupcake.


How To Make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot water until smooth.

Step 2: Fill and Bake

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the center, then cover with more batter until about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

Beat softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed for a pipeable texture.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Pipe the frosting generously onto cooled cupcakes. Drizzle with melted chocolate and top with a mini peanut butter cup for that show-stopping finish.


How to Serve and Store Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes at room temperature for the creamiest center and best flavor. They make an ideal dessert for parties, birthdays, or casual weekend treats. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring chilled cupcakes to room temp before serving.


What to Serve With Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes?

Cold Brew Coffee

The bitterness of a cold brew balances the sweetness perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve alongside or even top your cupcake with a scoop.

Fresh Berries

A refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter.

Salted Pretzels

For that sweet-and-salty crunch combination.

Whipped Cream

Add a dollop on the side for an extra indulgent bite.

Milkshakes

Especially chocolate or peanut butter flavored ones.


Want More Cupcake Ideas?

If you’re all about cupcakes with bold flavors and rich textures, check out these other favorites:


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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of bourbon or a drizzle of salted caramel? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.


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Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and unforgettable, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes are exactly what you need. Moist chocolate cupcakes with a hidden creamy peanut butter core, topped with peanut butter frosting, chocolate drizzle, and a peanut butter cup. It’s a chocolate peanut butter dream that makes the perfect easy recipe for party desserts, birthday ideas, or anytime you’re craving something sweet. Great for anyone searching for food ideas that feel gourmet but are surprisingly simple—perfect for quick baking, dessert cravings, or holiday tables.


Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

1/3 cup melted chocolate chips or wafers (for drizzle)

12 mini peanut butter cups (for topping)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir in hot water until smooth.

5. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, add 1 teaspoon of peanut butter to center, and top with more batter.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.

7. For the frosting, beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add milk if needed for piping consistency.

8. Frost cooled cupcakes, drizzle with melted chocolate, and top with a mini peanut butter cup.

Notes

For an ultra-smooth frosting, sift powdered sugar before mixing.

Add a pinch of salt to the frosting if using unsalted peanut butter.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 395
  • Sugar: 31g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: peanut butter chocolate cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, party dessert ideas

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