Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, chocolatey cupcake, only to have a rich, gooey peanut butter center spill out like molten lava. These Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes are every dessert lover’s dream—decadent, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make.

This recipe was born out of a love for two classic flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. There’s something undeniably comforting about this pairing, whether in a peanut butter cup, a milkshake, or a baked treat. But what if we took it a step further? What if we created a cupcake that looks ordinary on the outside but surprises you with an irresistible peanut butter lava center?

If you’re a fan of chocolate lava cakes, this is the ultimate twist—one that will make any gathering, celebration, or quiet night in feel extra special.

Why I Love This Recipe

A Surprise Inside Every Bite

One of the best things about this recipe is the hidden lava center. While the outside looks like a regular cupcake, the moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with warm, melted peanut butter. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and go, “Wow!”

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

Unlike overly sweet desserts, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. The rich dark chocolate cake has just the right amount of bitterness, complementing the smooth, salty-sweet peanut butter filling. If you’re someone who enjoys Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you’ll love the elevated version of those flavors in this recipe.

Easy Yet Impressive

Despite how fancy these cupcakes look and taste, they’re surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need a complicated double-boiler setup or special equipment—just basic pantry ingredients and a muffin tin.

If you want to wow your guests or treat yourself to something special, this is the recipe to make!

Ingredients for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect moist cupcake with a gooey peanut butter center.

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

All-purpose flour – Provides structure. Make sure to measure correctly for a tender cake.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – The key to deep chocolate flavor. Use high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
Baking powder & baking soda – Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps keep the cupcakes soft.
Eggs – Give the cupcakes structure and moisture.
Whole milk – Keeps the cake tender and moist.
Vegetable oil – Ensures a soft, moist texture. You can also use melted butter for a richer taste.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and enhances all the flavors.
Boiling water – Helps bloom the cocoa powder, making the chocolate taste even more intense.

For the Peanut Butter Lava Filling:

Creamy peanut butter – The star of the show. Use a smooth, no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency.
Powdered sugar – Helps thicken and sweeten the peanut butter filling.
Heavy cream – Creates a velvety-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth lava center.

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping (Optional, but Recommended!):

Dark chocolate (or semisweet chocolate chips) – Adds a glossy, decadent finish.
Heavy cream – Makes the ganache silky smooth.

How Much Time Will You Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t take hours to prepare. Here’s the breakdown:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

It’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for a special occasion.

How to Make Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cupcake Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Pour in the boiling water slowly, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but this helps create a super moist cupcake.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Lava Filling

In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
Scoop the mixture into a piping bag or a small zip-top bag. Set aside.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling into the center of each cup.
Cover with another tablespoon of chocolate batter, making sure the peanut butter is fully enclosed.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are set. A toothpick inserted into the side (not the center) should come out clean.

Step 5: Let Them Cool

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: (Optional) Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Heat the heavy cream until just warm (but not boiling).
Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
Stir until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cupcakes.

Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments, here are some great substitutes:

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap almond milk or oat milk for regular milk, and use dairy-free chocolate.
Healthier Version: Reduce the sugar by half and use natural peanut butter without added sugar.

Best Side Dishes for Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Pair these cupcakes with something light and refreshing to balance out the richness:

Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm lava center.
Fresh Strawberries – Their slight tartness cuts through the sweetness.
Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it adds just the right touch of creaminess.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make Them Look Bakery-Worthy

A cupcake isn’t just about taste—it’s about presentation too! These tips will help you serve your Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes like a pro:

Ganache Drizzle – If you made the optional chocolate ganache, drizzle it over the top for a glossy, professional finish.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Use a spoon or piping bag to create a peanut butter swirl on top of the cupcake.
Chocolate Shavings or Chopped Peanuts – Sprinkle some over the ganache for an added crunch and gourmet touch.
Serve Warm – The magic happens when the peanut butter lava is still gooey. If they’ve cooled down, microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between warm cupcakes and cold ice cream is irresistible!

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Achieve the Perfect Lava Center

Don’t overbake! If the cupcakes bake for too long, the peanut butter will set instead of staying melty. Stick to 18-20 minutes max.
Make sure the peanut butter mixture is thick but soft so it melts properly when baked. Adding a bit of heavy cream helps keep it smooth.
When filling the cupcakes, fully cover the peanut butter with batter to prevent it from leaking out.

Enhance the Flavor

Use espresso powder in the cupcake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor. It won’t make the cupcakes taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate richness.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before serving to balance the sweetness.
Swap regular peanut butter for cookie butter if you want a different but equally delicious twist!

Make It Ahead of Time

Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just warm them up before serving to bring back the gooey center.
The peanut butter filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter

Mixing too much can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Not Measuring Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make the cupcakes dry. Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag.

3. Using Natural Peanut Butter

While natural peanut butter is great for some recipes, it can separate and become too runny in this one. Stick with a no-stir, creamy peanut butter for the best results.

4. Skipping the Cooling Step

If you cut into the cupcakes right after baking, the peanut butter might not be as gooey as expected. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Store Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Room Temperature (Best for 1-2 Days)

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warm climate, keep them in the fridge to prevent the peanut butter from getting too soft.

Refrigerator (Best for Up to 5 Days)

To keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge in a sealed container. Just warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating to bring back the gooey center.

Freezer (Best for Up to 2 Months)

Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQ

1. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

2. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter works great, but make sure it’s a no-stir version for the best texture.

3. Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).

4. What if I don’t have a piping bag for the peanut butter filling?

You can use a small spoon to drop the peanut butter mixture into the batter. Or, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

5. Can I make mini cupcakes instead?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes since smaller cupcakes bake faster.