Peanut Butter Cup Lava Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Cup Lava Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers—rich, fudgy chocolate cupcakes with a molten peanut butter cup center that oozes when you take a bite. These decadent, bakery-style cupcakes are incredibly indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or when you’re craving something gooey and over-the-top delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lava-style center with a gooey peanut butter cup surprise
• Intense chocolate flavor with a soft, moist crumb
• Easy to make—no mixer required
• Bakes in under 20 minutes
• Impresses guests with minimal effort
• Perfect individual serving size
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
• Kid- and adult-approved
• Customizable with toppings or frosting
• Great alternative to traditional lava cakes

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Mini or regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (unwrapped)
• Optional: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or frosting

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease well.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until combined.
5. Stir in the milk, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth.
6. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter into each cupcake liner, filling halfway.
7. Press a peanut butter cup into the center of each and cover with an additional tablespoon of batter.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are set and slightly cracked.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the full lava effect.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Variations

• Frosted Lava Cupcakes: Top with peanut butter frosting or chocolate ganache once cooled.
• Salted Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Double Stuffed: Add a dollop of peanut butter along with the Reese’s cup for extra lava.
• Mini Version: Use mini muffin tins and mini peanut butter cups for bite-sized treats.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute with sunflower butter cups for allergy-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For the gooey lava effect, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade peanut butter cups?

Yes! Homemade or gourmet-style peanut butter cups will work just as well and may even enhance the flavor.

Do I need to chill the peanut butter cups before baking?

No, but you can freeze them for a firmer center if you want a stronger lava effect.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake them ahead and reheat when ready to serve for a gooey center.

How do I make the cupcakes extra moist?

Don’t overbake, and make sure to measure flour accurately to avoid dry batter.

Can I use a boxed chocolate cake mix?

Yes, for convenience, you can use boxed mix—just follow the same assembly instructions.

Are these overly sweet?

They’re rich and indulgent, but the peanut butter balances the sweetness nicely.

Can I add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Add them to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The tops should be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted slightly off-center should come out with moist crumbs.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Only if keeping them longer than 2 days. They can be stored at room temp if eaten soon.

Can I make this recipe without cupcake liners?

Yes, just be sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cup Lava Cupcakes are a rich, gooey dream come true for dessert lovers. With melty peanut butter centers and fudgy chocolate cake, they’re as satisfying to eat as they are easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress with every molten, chocolatey bite.

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