Description
Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional for topping)
1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
1/4 cup caramel sauce
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, then drop a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter into the center of each. Cover with more batter, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cupcake.
Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces.
Serve and enjoy the delicious surprise of the creamy peanut butter center!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cupcakes every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a spatula and fold gently until just combined; overmixing leads to dense cupcakes. For the peanut butter center, use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to create uniform, rounded teaspoons of peanut butter. When filling the liners, place the initial batter layer, then the peanut butter, ensuring it’s centered before adding the top batter layer. This prevents the filling from touching the liner and burning. Test for doneness at 18 minutes—a toothpick inserted near the edge (not the gooey center) should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions
These rich cupcakes are versatile. For a dinner party, serve them slightly warm to highlight the molten peanut butter center, paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a casual treat, crumble a cupcake over a bowl of chocolate pudding or yogurt. To elevate presentation, pipe the cream cheese frosting using a star tip and garnish with a mini peanut butter cup or a light dusting of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix dry ingredients; cream butter and sugars; incorporate eggs and vanilla; alternately add dry mix and milk; layer batter and peanut butter in liners; bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes; cool completely; top with frosting, caramel, and chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not overly oily, as separation can affect texture.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
My peanut butter sank. How can I prevent this? Ensure your batter is thick enough to support the filling. Chilling the peanut butter scoops for 10 minutes before adding can also help.
Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the cupcake liners beyond 3/4 full, as this causes spillage and uneven baking. Do not open the oven door frequently during baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause cupcakes to fall. Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off. Using cold ingredients can result in a curdled batter, so plan ahead.
Conclusion
These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a decadent fusion of flavors and textures, guaranteed to impress. The surprise molten center and rich toppings make them a standout dessert. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!