If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, prepare to fall head over heels for Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes. These decadent little treats have all the swoon-worthy flavor of classic peanut butter cups, but tucked inside the moistest chocolate cupcake and topped with a dreamy peanut butter frosting. Every bite reveals a gooey, peanut-buttery surprise—making them totally irresistible whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself. Trust me, this is the kind of cupcake people talk about for months!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes is in their simplicity—each ingredient is easy to find, but packs a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Every component works together to create cupcakes that are soft, rich, and indulgently peanut buttery in every bite.
- Chocolate cake mix: The shortcut hero that delivers deep chocolate flavor with minimal fuss—just add the eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential wet ingredients for mixing with the cake mix, ensuring your cupcakes turn out perfectly tender and moist.
- 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped): These are the surprise center of each cupcake, melting into gooey perfection as they bake.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Forms the creamy base of the irresistible peanut butter frosting.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show for frosting, adding that unmistakable nutty sweetness on top.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and sweet without any graininess.
- Heavy cream or milk: Softens the frosting’s texture and makes it extra fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweet and nutty flavors in the frosting, giving it that bakery-style richness.
- Mini peanut butter cups or chocolate drizzle (for garnish): The perfect finishing touch—these garnishes hint at the gooey surprise waiting inside!
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cupcake Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—this is the secret to cupcakes that release beautifully and keep their shape. Get your ingredients measured out and ready so you can move quickly once the baking starts!
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter
Follow the instructions on your box of chocolate cake mix, combining it with the eggs, oil, and water. Whisk everything together until you have a silky, lump-free batter. This quick step sets the stage for moist, chocolatey cupcakes that won’t dry out in the oven.
Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups
Fill each prepared cupcake liner about halfway with the chocolate batter. Now, for the fun part: nestle an unwrapped mini peanut butter cup right into the center of each one. Spoon over a little more batter until the liners are about two-thirds full, completely covering the peanut butter cup so you get that magical molten center when they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the edge of a cupcake—if it comes out clean (ignore the melted candy in the center!), they’re ready. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for five minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Patience is hard, but this keeps the frosting from melting later.
Step 5: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and luscious. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then splash in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is ultra-light and fluffy. This is the crowning glory!
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, pile on that dreamy frosting—pipe it for a showstopping swirl or spread it generously. For the grand finale, garnish with a mini peanut butter cup or artfully drizzle with melted chocolate. Every Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake becomes a mini masterpiece!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Garnishes
For maximum wow factor, top each cupcake with a mini peanut butter cup right in the center, or go for elegant chocolate drizzles. Chopped roasted peanuts, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take these cupcakes from fabulous to unforgettable. You’ll get lots of oohs and aahs after the first bite reveals that gooey peanut butter center!
Side Dishes
These cupcakes are sweet and rich, so they’re perfect alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cold milk. For party spreads, they also play well with salty snacks like pretzels, or a slightly tart fruit salad to balance all that lusciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes into an eye-catching display by stacking them on a tiered cake stand or arranging them in a circle with scattered mini peanut butter cups. For birthday parties, consider colorful cupcake wrappers or even mini flags. You can also pack a few in a gift box tied with ribbon—homemade happiness, ready to deliver!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cupcakes stay moist, while the peanut butter frosting keeps its fluffy, creamy texture. If your kitchen gets warm, you can refrigerate them for longer freshness, just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the softest bite.
Freezing
Freeze your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes (unfrosted or frosted) by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature and add your finishing touches if needed!
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these cupcakes, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave can make that hidden peanut butter cup perfectly gooey again. Be careful not to overheat or the frosting may melt—stick to quick, gentle bursts for the ultimate just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cupcake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe, go for it. The boxed mix just speeds things up and guarantees a moist, consistent result, but homemade brings its own special touch.
What’s the best way to get the peanut butter cups perfectly centered?
Gently press each mini peanut butter cup straight into the center of the batter-filled liner and try not to push it all the way to the bottom. Pouring a bit more batter over the top helps keep it hidden in the middle, delivering that delightful surprise bite every time.
Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes in advance for a party?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting up to two days ahead. Store the cupcakes and frosting separately, then frost and garnish on the day of your event for best results and showstopping freshness.
How do I get super smooth and fluffy frosting?
Make sure your butter is nice and soft before beating with the peanut butter, and add the powdered sugar gradually. Whip in the cream or milk at the end for a light, cloud-like texture that pipes or spreads like a dream.
Are there any fun mix-in ideas for the batter?
Definitely! To double down on chocolate, fold in mini chocolate chips before baking. You can also sprinkle in chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter in the frosting for textural contrast and a bakery-worthy upgrade.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to smile when you bite into a Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake—the combo of chocolate cake, gooey peanut butter core, and creamy frosting just makes everything better. If you want to delight friends or simply treat yourself to something indulgent, this is the recipe to try next. Share your cupcake adventures and enjoy every decadent bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes. Moist chocolate cake surrounds a hidden mini peanut butter cup, topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
- 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Mini peanut butter cups or chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare the batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter as per package instructions. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, place a mini peanut butter cup in the center, cover with more batter until two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes, and garnish with mini peanut butter cups or chocolate drizzle.
Notes
- For extra chocolatey cupcakes, mix mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes before serving for a firmer texture.
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