Description
Ingredients
Scale
For the chocolate cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the peanut butter filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping (optional):
- Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
- Chopped peanuts
- Peanut butter drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll into small teaspoon-sized balls and place on a plate.
- Freeze for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cupcake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Gradually mix in buttermilk and dry ingredients, alternating between the two.
- Stir in hot water until batter is smooth. (The batter will be thin, which is normal.)
Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
- Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center of each cupcake.
- Cover with additional batter until liners are about 3/4 full.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the edge of a cupcake (not the center) comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)
- Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or peanut butter drizzle for extra flavor.
Notes
- Nutty Twist: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Gooey: Add a chocolate truffle or peanut butter cup to the center.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the top.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour and coconut sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter cupcakes, gooey cupcakes, peanut butter filling, chocolate dessert, easy cupcake recipe