If you are a fan of the unbeatable combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. These cupcakes combine a moist, tender cake base with the surprise delight of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup baked right inside. Topped with a luscious swirl of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter frostings, each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be the star at every gathering or simply your go-to treat for any time you crave something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a metal muffin tray filled with white paper liners holding batter and candy pieces. Each paper liner is placed in the tray's round wells. The batter is light creamy beige and soft, some liners filled halfway, others topped with a single brown, ridged candy cup placed in the center, slightly sunken into the batter. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a cupcake that’s bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the cupcakes, to the powdered sugar in the frostings ensuring a smooth, sweet finish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Duncan Hines yellow or white cake mix: This provides a light and fluffy base that’s easy to work with and consistent in texture.
Full-fat or light sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cupcakes without being too heavy.
Eggs: Essential for structure and a tender crumb in the cake.
Canola oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and soft.
Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup for the batter, 1/2 cup for frosting): Gives that irresistible nutty flavor and smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the batter and frostings.
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (24 unwrapped): The surprise center in each cupcake that melts into peanut buttery goodness.
Butter (real, not margarine): Used in both frostings to add richness and creaminess.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor to the chocolate frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens both frostings for that perfect consistency.
Evaporated milk: Used in the chocolate frosting and optionally in the peanut butter frosting to achieve the ideal texture.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two 12-cup muffin tins with liners. In a large bowl, combine the yellow or white cake mix, sour cream, eggs, canola oil, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, blend all these ingredients thoroughly for about 30 seconds, scraping the bowl to ensure no bits are left unincorporated. Then, crank the speed to high and continue beating for three more minutes. This helps create a smooth, airy batter that will bake into perfectly tender cupcakes.

Step 2: Fill and Add Peanut Butter Cups

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the peanut butter cake batter. Gently press one unwrapped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into each filled liner—this is the magic surprise in the middle! After placing the candy, top off each cupcake with the remaining batter, making sure the peanut butter cup is fully covered, and the batter reaches about three-quarters full. This layering technique ensures delicious pockets of melted peanut butter throughout the cupcake.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden color on top. Keep an eye on them after 18 minutes to avoid overbaking. Once done, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is key because you want those frostings to stay gorgeous and not melt away when applied.

Step 4: Make the Frostings

While your cupcakes cool, it’s frosting time! You’ll whip up two delicious frostings: a rich chocolate frosting and a creamy peanut butter frosting. For the chocolate frosting, mix together melted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy, adding a bit more milk if you want it smoother. For the peanut butter frosting, blend creamy peanut butter with softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a couple of tablespoons of milk or evaporated milk to reach that perfectly spreadable consistency. Swirl these two frostings together to create a visually stunning and delectable finish on each cupcake.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows two vanilla cupcakes on a white square plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has two swirled frosting layers on top: the bottom layer is light beige, and the top layer is chocolate brown, both smooth and fluffy in texture. One cupcake is whole, while the other is split open, revealing a creamy peanut butter cup hidden inside the center of the soft vanilla cake. Next to the cupcakes on the plate are two unopened peanut butter cups wrapped in gold foil with an orange label. A glass of milk with a white background is slightly blurred behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of crushed mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top adds an extra crunch and reinforces the peanut butter theme. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate makes these cupcakes look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk to balance the rich flavors, or serve alongside fresh berries to add a pop of refreshing color and brightness. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate also complements these treats wonderfully, making them perfect for any occasion from afternoon tea to celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piping the swirled frosting using a star tip to create elegant peaks on top. For parties, display the cupcakes on a tiered stand with mini Reese’s cups scattered around for decoration. You might also experiment by adding a small dollop of frosting onto the cupcake liners before placing the cupcakes, creating an extra creamy base layer once served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cupcakes keep beautifully for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to keep the frostings firm and fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, place completely cooled and unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze leftovers for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, warm thawed cupcakes lightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid heating too long or the frosting may soften excessively. This little trick breathes life back into the cupcake’s moist texture.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted if you like a bit of texture, but it might affect the smoothness of the batter and frostings. If you prefer the classic creamy texture in these cupcakes, stick to creamy peanut butter for the best results.

Do I have to use evaporated milk in the frosting?

Evaporated milk helps achieve a creamy, smooth frosting texture, but you can replace it with regular milk if needed. Just add it gradually to avoid making the frosting too runny.

Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cupcakes, swap the cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same and will still deliver that amazing chocolate and peanut butter flavor combo.

How do I make the frosting swirl look professional?

Use a piping bag fitted with a dual-compartment or divided tip to pipe both chocolate and peanut butter frostings simultaneously. Alternatively, you can spoon both frostings side by side into a large piping bag and swirl while piping for a beautiful two-toned effect.

Can I bake these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two before serving. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Add the frosting right before your event for the best presentation and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes Recipe is a winner in every way—combining ease, richness, and that beloved peanut butter-chocolate duo into one tantalizing package. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with something that tastes like it took hours when it really didn’t. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these cupcakes disappear from the plate—they simply don’t last long!