Chocolate and peanut butter. Honestly, is there a more iconic duo in the dessert world? It’s the culinary equivalent of Lennon and McCartney, Batman and Robin, Netflix and binge-watching.
Each is perfectly delicious on its own—but when they come together? Pure magic. And that magic is exactly what you get with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes, a treat so indulgent and satisfying it might just ruin all other desserts for you.
Imagine this: You bite into a soft, moist chocolate cupcake. The cocoa-rich cake crumbles just slightly under your teeth, and then—surprise!—you hit a pocket of creamy peanut butter nestled in the center.
As if that wasn’t enough to make your tastebuds break into song, the whole thing is topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting and drizzled with silky chocolate. It’s like a Reese’s Cup put on its Sunday best and showed up to your birthday party.
Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or a baking novice, this recipe is a must-try. It’s not just a cupcake—it’s a whole experience. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s make some magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water (yes, hot!)
For the peanut butter filling:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt (optional, but it makes the flavors pop!)
For the drizzle:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
How to Make the Dream a Reality
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. You’ll get about 12 cupcakes out of this recipe—perfect for sharing, though we won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself.
Step 2: The Chocolate Cupcake Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside—it’s your dry mix.
In a larger bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until they look light and fluffy. Add in the oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and once that’s incorporated, stir in the hot water.
The batter will be thin, and that’s exactly what you want—this is the secret to that ultra-moist crumb.
Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. But before these beauties head to the oven, let’s add the surprise.
Step 3: The Creamy Peanut Butter Core
Mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and pliable. Roll the mixture into 12 small balls (roughly 1 teaspoon each), and gently press one into the center of each cupcake. The batter will rise around them as they bake, encasing that little treasure like the world’s tastiest hug.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool completely—yes, completely—before frosting. Patience, my friend.
Step 4: That Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, beat together the butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar gradually, then drizzle in the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until your frosting reaches peak spreadability.
Want it extra light? Whip it for an extra minute or two. It’ll be like a peanut butter cloud.
Pipe or spread the frosting on top of the cooled cupcakes. Be generous. This isn’t the time for restraint.
Step 5: The Final Drizzle
Melt your chocolate chips with butter or coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Once silky and smooth, let it cool slightly, then drizzle over the frosted cupcakes with a spoon or—if you’re feeling fancy—a piping bag. The contrast of dark chocolate against the tan frosting? Chef’s kiss.
They’re perfect for birthdays, office parties, potlucks, or just because you made it through Tuesday. Kids love them. Adults love them. Honestly, if aliens ever land on Earth, we should probably offer them one of these as a peace offering.
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