Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

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If you’re the type who believes peanut butter and chocolate are soulmates, get ready to fall head-over-heels for these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes. Picture a moist, rich chocolate base hiding a creamy, gooey peanut butter core, crowned with swirls of peanut butter frosting, a glossy chocolate drizzle, and the final pièce de résistance: a mini peanut butter cup perched on top. One bite, and you’re swimming in sweet, salty, melty perfection.

These cupcakes aren’t just desserts—they’re declarations of decadence. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a bake sale, or just a Tuesday in need of cheering up, these treats guarantee grins and sticky fingers. They look impressive, taste like a dream, and come together more easily than you might expect.

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Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

• Decadently Delicious: The intense chocolate cake contrasts beautifully with the creamy, nutty center and frosting.
• Hidden Surprise: The peanut butter core is a delightful, melty middle that elevates every bite.
• Visually Irresistible: That glossy chocolate drizzle and peanut butter cup topping makes them an eye-catcher on any dessert table.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a personal indulgence.
• Peanut Butter + Chocolate: Arguably the best flavor pairing of all time. Enough said.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, set yourself up for success by prepping your tools. Each item plays a specific role in getting that bakery-style cupcake at home.

• Muffin Tin with Liners: Essential for shaping and baking uniform cupcakes with easy cleanup.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free batter and creamy frosting.
• Mixing Bowls (At least two): One for dry ingredients, another for wet, to combine efficiently.
• Small Ice Cream Scoop or Spoon: For evenly filling cupcake liners—no more guessing!
• Piping Bag with Large Star Tip: For that professional swirl of peanut butter frosting.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt chocolate easily and drizzle over the top.
• Knife or Apple Corer: Helps hollow out the center to fill with creamy peanut butter.

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Ingredients for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cupcakes and ensures they hold together well.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides that deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – For the perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt – Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang to the chocolate base.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cupcakes soft and moist.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Used as a luscious filling and the base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth.
• Heavy Cream – Helps achieve that creamy, spreadable frosting texture.
• Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate – Melted and drizzled over for that show-stopping finish.
• Mini Peanut Butter Cups – The perfect decorative and delicious topper.

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How To Make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 4: Create the Peanut Butter Centers

Use a small knife or apple corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill the hole with creamy peanut butter using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until light and fluffy. Pipe the frosting onto each cooled cupcake.

Step 6: Decorate

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle over the frosted cupcakes and top each one with a mini peanut butter cup.

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How to Serve and Store These Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes at room temperature so the peanut butter center stays delightfully soft. They make a perfect dessert platter centerpiece and are always a hit at parties, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let chilled cupcakes come to room temp before serving to enjoy the full texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze them (unfrosted or fully decorated) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container and frost the day you plan to serve.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest filling and frosting. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and isn’t ideal for baking.

Can I skip the peanut butter filling?

Yes, but it’s highly recommended for that signature gooey surprise. You can also swap in Nutella or a chocolate ganache if preferred.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from being dry?

Avoid overbaking, and measure your ingredients precisely—especially flour. Buttermilk and oil in the recipe help retain moisture.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

You could, but homemade peanut butter frosting is simple and so worth it. It truly completes the cupcake.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter before decorating.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you’re craving more indulgent bites like these peanut butter chocolate cupcakes, here are a few delicious picks from my kitchen:

• Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies – Dense, rich, and irresistibly chewy.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups – A peanut butter dream baked into every bite.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread – Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake – For those who can’t resist extra layers of sweet.
• Pecan Pie Lasagna – A nutty twist on a layered dessert.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add caramel drizzle or maybe a sea salt twist? Did you double the peanut butter like I sometimes do?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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