Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
• Lightly grease the liners to prevent sticking.
• If making the chocolate version, measure and swap the flour with cocoa powder.

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 incorporates 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 provide structure and moisture to the cupcakes.

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

• Gently fold in the flour, mixing just until combined.
• Be careful not to overmix to keep the cupcakes light and airy.
• Overmixing can make them dense and tough.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

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

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 prevents it from absorbing too much into the cake while baking.

Step 7: Cover with More Batter

• Spoon the remaining batter over each cupcake, ensuring the peanut butter is fully encased.
• Smooth the tops gently to create even baking.

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!
• Insert a toothpick into the edge of the cupcake (not the center) to check for doneness.

Step 9: Cool & Serve Warm

• Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey peanut butter experience.
• If serving later, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore the molten center.