Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe

If you love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a real treat: these Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes deliver pure dessert joy in every bite! Imagine ultra-moist chocolate cupcakes with a hidden mini peanut butter cup baked right inside, all topped with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter frosting. Every cupcake is a little surprise, with a gooey, melty center and decadent swirls on top. Kids adore them, adults sneak an extra one, and trust me, no one can stop at just one. If you need an easy show-stopping dessert, Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essentials and a few kitchen staples, you can whip up the perfect Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes anytime. Each ingredient pulls double duty for flavor and texture, striking the perfect balance between rich chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Boxed chocolate cake mix: The ultimate shortcut for a moist, reliable base and deep chocolatey flavor; use your favorite brand for best results.
• Mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped): These are the cupcake’s secret surprise, melted into the center for a gooey, peanut buttery bite.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the frosting a rich, velvety consistency; always soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter: Delivers bold, nutty flavor and ultra-smooth texture in every swirl of frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it light and fluffy.
• Heavy cream or milk: A splash loosens up the frosting, creating that dreamy, spreadable finish; use milk or cream based on your preference for richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the peanut butter flavor—just half a teaspoon makes a difference!
• Mini peanut butter cups or chocolate drizzle (optional): Perfect for an Instagram-worthy garnish and extra indulgence on top.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Cupcake Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners to make removal (and cleanup) incredibly easy. While the oven heats, lay out your ingredients—having everything ready keeps the process seamless.

Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

Prepare the chocolate cake batter as instructed on your box of mix. This means adding whatever extra ingredients your mix requires—usually eggs, oil, and water. Stir everything together until your batter is lump-free and glossy. If you want an extra boost of chocolate flavor, toss in a few chocolate chips for good measure!

Step 3: Add Batter and Hide the Peanut Butter Cup

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the chocolate batter. Now for the fun part: gently press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cup filled with batter. Make sure not to push it all the way to the bottom—just nestle it in until it’s almost (but not completely) covered. That way, every bite has a gooey, melty middle.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Don’t be tempted to overbake—keep them soft and moist! Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Full cooling is key before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until super smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid sugar clouds. Pour in the vanilla and just enough cream or milk to get a fluffy, light consistency. Beat until the frosting looks pillowy and irresistible.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish the Cupcakes

Once your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are totally cool, pipe or spread that gorgeous frosting high on each one. If you’re feeling extra, top with another mini peanut butter cup or a luscious chocolate drizzle. Grab your camera—these beauties are ready to shine!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Garnishes

The sky’s the limit for finishing touches! A tiny peanut butter cup on top is classic, but a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts works wonders too. These garnishes add a crunch and hint at the surprise inside each cupcake, making every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes with a tall glass of cold milk for a quintessential childhood treat, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-indulgent dessert. If you want to get fancy, add a fresh fruit platter for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the cupcake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes look stunning stacked on a tiered dessert stand at birthday parties. Try arranging them in a circle with alternating chocolate and peanut butter decorations for a party-ready centerpiece. If gifting, wrap each cupcake in cellophane with a ribbon—they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who receives them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, but remember to let them come to room temp before serving so the frosting is creamy again.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes (unfrosted is best), tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, for up to two months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, then frost as usual for ultimate freshness and flavor.

Reheating

If you love warm cake and a melting peanut butter center, take a cupcake, remove the wrapper, and heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Frost after reheating or simply enjoy as is—it’s a hidden treat all over again!

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a go-to chocolate cupcake recipe, use it in place of the box mix for a personal touch. Just make sure you have enough batter for 12 cupcakes so the Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes turn out with the perfect texture and proportion.

Do I need to freeze the peanut butter cups before using?

It’s not a must, but freezing the mini peanut butter cups beforehand helps them keep their shape in the oven. If you love a gooey, molten center, you can use them as-is—either way, your cupcakes will be delicious!

Can I make these cupcakes gluten free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check that your peanut butter cups are gluten free as well. The results should be just as tasty and indulgent as the classic version.

What’s the best way to frost Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes?

For a beautiful bakery-style swirl, use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. If you don’t have one, just use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the frosting generously—the taste is the same, and it’s all about that creamy peanut butter flavor!

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely, this recipe easily doubles to make 24 Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes. Just set up two muffin pans, bake in batches if needed, and get ready for everyone to swoon over your homemade treats!

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, these Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are crowd-pleasers that never disappoint. With their secret center and luscious frosting, there’s a little bit of magic in every bite. Give them a try and watch the smiles appear—they’re sure to become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation!

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