Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pair, and these cupcakes bring them together perfectly. The rich chocolate base is soft and moist, while the creamy peanut butter frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to simple weekend treats.
Why We Love This chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
These chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich, sweet, and nutty flavors. The moist chocolate base pairs beautifully with the creamy peanut butter frosting, creating a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
- Bakery-Style Texture – Soft, fluffy cupcakes with a smooth, velvety frosting.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday sweet cravings.
- Classic Flavor Combination – The rich chocolate and peanut butter blend is always a crowd-pleaser.
With their light, airy crumb and decadent frosting, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Ingredients for chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cupcakes and ensures a soft crumb. Cake flour is not recommended, as it changes the texture.
Leavening agents – A mix of baking powder and baking soda helps the cupcakes rise properly. They cannot be swapped for each other.
Vegetable oil – This keeps the cupcakes moist and soft for longer compared to butter.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors of both chocolate and peanut butter.
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
Creamy peanut butter – Creates a smooth frosting. Natural peanut butter is not recommended, as it can cause separation.
Unsalted butter – This makes the frosting rich and creamy. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt.
Heavy cream – This adds fluffiness to the frosting and should be added gradually for the best consistency.
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cupcakes:
Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate large bowl, beat the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Incorporate Dry & Wet Mixtures – Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Add Hot Water – Slowly stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
Fill & Bake – Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely – Let cupcakes sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:
Beat the Butter & Peanut Butter – Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
Add Sugar & Vanilla – Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until combined.
Adjust Consistency – Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
Frost the Cupcakes – Use a piping bag or a spatula to swirl the frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
Garnish (Optional) – Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy peanut butter frosting in every bite!
Pro Tips for chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
To ensure your chocolate peanut butter cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Measure Ingredients Accurately – For the best results, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring your flour and cocoa powder. This helps prevent dense cupcakes.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature before starting. This allows for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.
Don’t Overmix – When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cupcakes.
Use Hot Water – The hot water in the batter helps create a moist, tender crumb, so don’t skip this step!
When Cool – Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and gives your cupcakes a clean, beautiful finish.
Customize the Frosting – If you like a richer peanut butter flavor, add a bit more peanut butter to the frosting. For a lighter version, reduce the peanut butter and add a touch more cream.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve fluffy chocolate cupcakes and a smooth, creamy peanut butter frosting that will wow anyone who takes a bite!
Variations for chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
While these chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are delicious on their own, you can mix things up with a few fun variations:
Chocolate Chips – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Before baking, swirl some extra peanut butter into the cupcake batter for a marbled effect.
Nutty Topping – Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
S’mores Version – For a twist on a classic dessert, top the frosting with graham cracker crumbs and a mini marshmallow.
Fudge Frosting – For a richer topping, swap out the peanut butter frosting for chocolate fudge frosting.
These easy variations will let you customize your cupcakes and keep things interesting, making them perfect for any event or personal craving!
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
These chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, and here are a few creative ways to serve them:
Perfect for Parties – Place the cupcakes on a beautiful cake stand or platter for a show-stopping centerpiece at your next celebration or gathering.
Pair with a Cold Drink – These cupcakes go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, creating the perfect dessert pairing.
Gift-worthy – Box them up in a cute, themed container as a homemade gift for friends and family. Who wouldn’t love receiving a treat like this?
Topped with Ice Cream – For an indulgent treat, serve your cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side.
Dessert Table Addition – These cupcakes are a great addition to any dessert table, complementing other treats like cookies, brownies, or pies.
With these ideas, your chocolate peanut butter cupcakes will be the highlight of any gathering!
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FAQs about chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
How can I store chocolate peanut butter cupcakes?
Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the frosting?
Absolutely! If you love a bit of crunch, crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a nutty flavor to the frosting. It’s a fun variation that’s just as delicious.
Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?
Yes, you can make an egg-free version by using a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and add it to the batter.
Can I substitute the peanut butter in the frosting?
If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower butter, or any nut butter of your choice. These will give a similar creamy texture with a different flavor.
chocolate peanut butter cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Beat oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then mix.
- Stir in hot water until smooth.
- Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Make the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Beat peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Mix in sugar and vanilla.
- Add heavy cream until fluffy.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Frost cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish with chocolate, peanuts, or drizzle.