Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes: The Ultimate Decadent Treat!

Introduction: Indulge in these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, a mouthwatering dessert that combines rich chocolate with a gooey, melty peanut butter center. These cupcakes have a perfect balance of textures, with a soft and fluffy chocolate cake surrounding a warm, gooey peanut butter filling. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply need a sweet treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Peanut Butter Lava Filling:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Lava Filling

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using).
2. Mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.
3. Scoop the peanut butter mixture into small spoonfuls (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for at least 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Slowly stir in the boiling water, which will make the batter thinner. This will give your cupcakes a moist, tender crumb.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cupcake batter into each cupcake liner to cover the bottom.
2. Place one of the frozen peanut butter filling balls in the center of each cupcake.
3. Top the peanut butter ball with another tablespoon of batter, ensuring the peanut butter is completely covered.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the edge of the cupcake comes out clean (but the center will be gooey).
2. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

1. While the cupcakes cool, make the ganache by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer (don’t boil).
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Drizzle the ganache over the Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies cooled cupcakes for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. When you bite into these Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, you’ll reveal the warm, melty peanut butter center!
2. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for later—though they’re best served warm for the full lava effect!

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly in the microwave for that gooey effect.
• Freezing: Freeze the cupcakes without the ganache for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature, then drizzle with ganache before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• The perfect combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy, gooey peanut butter
• Easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for when you’re craving a decadent treat
• Can be customized with or without the optional chocolate ganache for an extra indulgence
• The gooey center creates an exciting Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies twist that everyone will love