Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Introduction to Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Soft, pillowy cupcakes filled with a warm, molten peanut butter center—these rich and indulgent treats are perfect for peanut butter lovers and chocolate fans alike!

There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, freshly baked cupcake, only to discover a gooey peanut butter surprise inside. These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes combine the best of both worlds: a soft and fluffy cake exterior and a rich, molten peanut butter center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or a chocolate lover, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth!

And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some clever baking techniques, you’ll have a batch of irresistible lava cupcakes in no time. Plus, they’re versatile—you can switch things up by adding chocolate chips, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a midweek indulgence, they’re guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone will be raving about!

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just pantry staples! You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, making these cupcakes easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.

• Customizable: Want a chocolate version? We’ve got you covered! Simply swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder, and you’ll get a rich, chocolatey base that pairs perfectly with the gooey peanut butter center. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as a drizzle of melted chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch.

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The gooey peanut butter center makes each bite pure bliss. The contrast between the soft, fluffy cupcake and the warm, molten peanut butter filling creates an indulgent experience that’s impossible to resist.

• Perfect for any occasion: Birthdays, parties, or just a treat-yourself moment. These cupcakes are elegant enough to impress guests yet simple enough to enjoy on a cozy night in. They’re also great for bake sales or gifting to friends and family.

• Quick & easy: Minimal prep and baking time—ready in under 30 minutes! No need to spend hours in the kitchen; these cupcakes come together quickly, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the wait.

Ingredients for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

To create these heavenly cupcakes, you’ll need:

For the Cupcake Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend)

For a Chocolate Version:

• Replace ¼ cup of flour with ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Gooey Peanut Butter Center:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra-indulgent twist, try mixing in a tablespoon of honey or powdered sugar into the peanut butter before filling the cupcakes.

How to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make the perfect gooey peanut butter cupcakes every time.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
• Lightly spray the liners with non-stick baking spray.

This helps ensure your cupcakes don’t stick to the liners and come out perfectly every time!

Making the Batter for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes.
• This step is crucial for incorporating air, making the cupcakes soft and tender!

Step 3: Add the Eggs & Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.

The eggs help bind the batter together and give the cupcakes structure.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 4: Mix in the Flour (or Cocoa Powder for Chocolate Version)

• Gently fold in the flour, mixing just until combined.
• For a chocolate version, replace ¼ cup of flour with ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.

💡 Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and airy ones.

Assembling Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

• Spoon a small amount of batter into each liner, filling them about halfway.
• This creates a solid base for the gooey peanut butter filling!

Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter Lava

• Drop a generous teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each cupcake.
• For the best molten texture, freeze the peanut butter for 15 minutes before using.

This secret trick ensures the peanut butter stays gooey even after baking!

Step 7: Cover with More Batter

• Spoon the remaining batter over each cupcake, ensuring the peanut butter is fully encased.

Baking & Serving Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tops are set but still slightly soft in the center.
• The key to a gooey lava center is not overbaking!

🚨 Overbaking will make the peanut butter too firm, so keep an eye on them!

Step 9: Cool & Serve Warm

• Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
• Transfer them to a wire rack.
• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey peanut butter experience!

💡 Want to make them even more indulgent? Drizzle some Domino’s garlic parmesan sauce on top for a sweet-savory twist!

Tips for the Best Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

• Use high-quality peanut butter – The creamier, the better!
• Don’t overfill the liners – Too much batter can cause overflow.
• Test for doneness carefully – A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Eat them fresh! – These cupcakes are best enjoyed warm.

Serving & Storing Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

How to Serve

• Top with powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.

How to Store

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore the gooey center.

Nutritional Information for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

While these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are an indulgent treat, it’s always helpful to know the nutritional breakdown per serving. Below is an estimated nutritional value based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

Per Cupcake (Approximate Values)

• Calories: 290-320 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 6g

Key Nutritional Insights

• Protein Boost: Thanks to peanut butter, these cupcakes offer more protein than typical cupcakes.
• Healthy Fats: Peanut butter contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which provide energy and help with nutrient absorption.
• Carbs for Energy: The mix of flour and sugar provides a quick energy boost—great for a midday pick-me-up.
• Moderate Sugar Content: While indulgent, these cupcakes have less sugar compared to store-bought desserts.

💡 Want to make them a bit healthier? Try using natural peanut butter, swapping granulated sugar for coconut sugar, or using whole wheat flour for extra fiber.

Enjoy your gooey peanut butter lava cupcakes in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

FAQs About Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture, but the filling won’t be as smooth.

2. What if I don’t have cupcake liners?

Grease your cupcake tin well with butter or non-stick spray as an alternative.

3. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

4. Can I add Domino’s garlic parmesan sauce on top?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory combo creates an unexpectedly delicious flavor.

Conclusion

These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are rich, indulgent, and easy to make! Whether you enjoy them as a midweek treat or for a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to impress. The soft, pillowy cupcake and warm, molten peanut butter center make each bite irresistible.

What makes these cupcakes even more special is their versatility. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty balance. If you’re a chocolate lover, try making the chocolate version by replacing some of the flour with cocoa powder—you won’t regret it!

Plus, they’re great for sharing! Whether you’re bringing them to a party, a family gathering, or just making a batch to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cupcakes are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. They taste best when served warm, so be sure to enjoy them fresh out of the oven.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking these heavenly treats today! And don’t forget to share them with your friends and family—they’ll thank you later!

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