The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes You’ll Ever Bake

Craving the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter? These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers.

Moist, fluffy chocolate cupcakes are topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this indulgent recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for chocolate-peanut butter fans, these cupcakes strike the ideal balance of sweet and salty. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure joy—your taste buds will thank you.

Recipe Information

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper cupcake liners
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Ice cream scoop or large spoon

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Ingredients for Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Preparing the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gradually add the hot coffee or water while stirring. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the peanut butter and beat until well combined.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
5. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Assembling the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting on top of each cupcake.
2. Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look, or simply spread with a knife for a rustic appearance.
3. Garnish with chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.

Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

The key to moist chocolate cupcakes lies in not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients. Make sure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature before mixing for the best texture.

Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee. You can substitute hot water if you prefer, but coffee gives a richer taste.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They make excellent treats for birthday parties, bake sales, or any occasion that calls for something sweet.

Variations to Try

Replace the peanut butter frosting with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. Add mini chocolate chips to the cupcake batter for extra chocolate flavor. Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you have nut allergies.

You can also make these cupcakes gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Information

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

These chocolate peanut butter cupcakes deliver the perfect balance of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter frosting that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination creates a dessert that feels both familiar and special, making it ideal for any celebration or everyday treat.