If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, these Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes will quickly become your new favorite treat. Moist chocolate cake mixed with a surprise mini peanut butter cup baked right in, then topped off with a luscious, creamy peanut butter frosting—it’s a decadent bite of comfort and joy wrapped up in a single cupcake. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes bring together rich flavors and an irresistible texture that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a cupcake that’s moist, flavorful, and decadently creamy. Each one plays a special role, from the chocolate cake mix that forms the perfect base to the creamy peanut butter that makes the frosting heavenly smooth.

Chocolate cake mix: The easiest way to get a moist, rich chocolate base without fuss.
Mini peanut butter cups: Sneaky little treasures baked inside and used for garnish to amplify the peanut butter goodness.
Unsalted butter: For a creamy frosting base, softened to blend beautifully.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds that signature nutty richness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
Heavy cream or milk: Keeps the frosting smooth and fluffy.
Vanilla extract: A tiny splash elevates the overall flavor beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Cupcake Liners

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This setup ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out with a lovely shape.

Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter

Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter. This quick step gets your base ready and makes the process effortless—no complicated steps, just straightforward baking fun.

Step 3: Fill and Insert the Mini Peanut Butter Cups

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the chocolate batter. Then, place one unwrapped mini peanut butter cup right in the center. This delightful surprise will melt slightly during baking, giving your cupcakes that irresistible gooey center.

Step 4: Add More Batter and Bake

Cover the peanut butter cups with more batter until the liners are about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let them cool completely before you move on to frosting—this step is crucial for a smooth finish!

Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until you get a smooth, dreamy texture. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar on low speed, then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until fluffy and spreadable—this frosting is the star of your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes, promising a rich and silky indulgence.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Pipe or spread your luscious frosting generously atop each cooled cupcake. Then finish them off with mini peanut butter cups or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra wow factor. This final touch takes your cupcakes from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

Garnishes

Adding mini peanut butter cups or a subtle drizzle of chocolate on top provides visual appeal and enhances the peanut butter and chocolate harmony. You can even sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet twist that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the richness. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add a fresh, tangy element.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your cupcakes on a tiered stand to create an impressive display for parties. For a fun twist, place each cupcake in themed wrappers or add edible gold dust on the frosting for a touch of celebration. These details make your Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes perfect for birthdays or special gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm. This helps preserve the fresh taste and moist texture without drying out the frosting.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cupcakes later, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving to retain their perfect texture.

Reheating

To warm cupcakes slightly, microwave them for about 10 seconds if unfrosted. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes in the microwave to prevent melting. Instead, bring them to room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less smooth, which might affect the texture of your frosting. If you prefer natural, give it a good stir beforehand to blend the oils well.

What can I do if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?

You can chop regular-sized peanut butter cups into bite-sized pieces as a substitute. Just keep an eye to avoid overfilling the cupcake liners to prevent overflowing during baking.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix is all you need to do to adapt this recipe, and it will still taste just as amazing.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a dash of salt or cream cheese to balance the sweetness and provide a tangy creaminess.

Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy milk or cream alternative, and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free. The peanut butter frosting will still be rich and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a homemade Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake, with its melty peanut butter center and dreamy frosting making each bite a joy. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cupcakes offer a perfect blend of flavors that never fail to impress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic of peanut butter and chocolate like never before!

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these rich and delicious Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes featuring a moist chocolate cake center with a surprise peanut butter cup, topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and garnished with mini peanut butter cups or chocolate drizzle. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers looking for an easy yet decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)
12 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Frosting Ingredients

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
Mini peanut butter cups or melted chocolate for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy cupcake removal and cleanup.
Make the Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until smooth and well combined.
Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into each cupcake liner until it’s about halfway full. Then, place one unwrapped mini peanut butter cup into the center of each filled liner.
Top with More Batter: Cover the peanut butter cups with additional batter, filling the liners about two-thirds full to avoid overflow while baking.
Bake the Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the cupcake’s edge comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the tin or on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat on high until that frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread or pipe the peanut butter frosting evenly over each cooled cupcake.
Garnish: Top each frosted cupcake with an additional mini peanut butter cup or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decorative and tasty finish.

Notes

For an extra chocolatey twist, fold mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set for a firmer texture.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These cupcakes make a fun and festive treat for parties, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American