Is there any flavor combination more iconic than peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes bring together these two beloved ingredients in the most delicious way possible!
Rich chocolate cake meets creamy peanut butter frosting for a match made in dessert heaven. They’re indulgent, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
These cupcakes from scratch feature deep, moist chocolate cake with a tender crumb that’s absolutely divine. The peanut butter frosting is silky smooth and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too salty.
The aesthetic is classic and crowd-pleasing! Dark chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter creates a beautiful contrast that looks as good as it tastes. They’re versatile enough to dress up or keep casual.
Everyone loves them! Kids go crazy for the familiar flavors, while adults appreciate the sophisticated balance. They’re also surprisingly simple to make despite tasting incredibly gourmet.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup hot coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, hot coffee, oil, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth and combined.
- Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with chocolate batter.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat peanut butter and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread generous amounts of peanut butter frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
Use quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa creates a darker, more sophisticated taste.
Don’t skip the coffee! It enhances the chocolate without making cupcakes taste like coffee. Hot water works as a substitute but coffee is better.
Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create better texture. Take eggs and buttermilk out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
For professional cupcakes decoration, use a large star tip to pipe beautiful swirls. The ridges create gorgeous dimension and texture!
Add mini chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups to the batter for extra indulgence. They create pockets of melty goodness throughout!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes Variations
Ready to get creative? These cupcakes ideas will take your baking to the next level!
Transform these into festive confetti cupcakes by swapping the chocolate base for vanilla cake loaded with rainbow sprinkles. Top with peanut butter frosting and extra sprinkles for a fun party design that’s perfect for birthdays and celebrations!
Make cupcakes for kids extra special by stuffing each one with a peanut butter cup before baking. Press it into the batter—it’ll sink to the middle and create an amazing surprise center!
Try a Reese’s-inspired version by adding chopped peanut butter cups to both the batter and frosting, then topping with mini Reese’s pieces for the ultimate candy-lover’s dream.
Create an elegant aesthetic by drizzling melted chocolate over peanut butter frosting and adding a whole roasted peanut on top. This sophisticated cupcakes design is perfect for adult gatherings!
For a salted caramel twist, add caramel sauce between the cake and frosting, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The sweet-salty combination is absolutely addictive!
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
These rich cupcakes shine with the right accompaniments!
Serve with cold milk—it’s the classic pairing that cuts through the richness perfectly. Chocolate milk takes it to another level of deliciousness!
Fresh strawberries or banana slices make wonderful sides. The fruit adds brightness and balances the decadent chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
For parties, create a cupcakes decoration station with toppings like chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and caramel sauce. Guests love customizing their own!
Hot coffee or espresso pairs beautifully for adult gatherings. The bitter coffee notes complement the sweet frosting wonderfully.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?
Regular creamy peanut butter works best for frosting because it’s more stable. Natural peanut butter can make frosting too oily and separate. Stick with brands like Jif or Skippy for perfect results every time.
How do I make these cupcakes from scratch nut-free?
Replace peanut butter frosting with sunflower seed butter or vanilla buttercream! The chocolate cake itself is already nut-free, so you can still enjoy the rich chocolate flavor with a different cupcakes design on top.
What’s the best way to store these cupcakes?
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts on Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes prove that classic combinations never go out of style! The rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and beautiful aesthetic make them irresistible.
Whether you’re trying new cupcakes ideas or perfecting your cupcakes decoration techniques, this recipe delivers every single time. Enjoy the perfect peanut butter chocolate bliss!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in hot coffee.
- Fill liners two-thirds full and bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Beat peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth to make filling.
- Core cooled cupcakes and fill centers with peanut butter mixture.
- Beat peanut butter and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes and garnish as desired.