Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 100 g Granulated Sugar; 100 g Brown Sugar; 80 g Vegetable Oil; 120 g Whole Milk (room temperature); 120 g Freshly Brewed Coffee (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 Egg (room temperature); 180 g All Purpose Flour; 50 g Cocoa Powder; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Salt; 226 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 250 g Smooth Unsweetened Peanut Butter; 240 g Powdered Sugar (sifted); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 3 tablespoons Heavy Cream (36% fat content); Melted Chocolate (for drizzling); Chopped Peanuts (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 77 reviews

If you are a fan of decadent desserts that marry rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter, you are going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes boast a tender, moist chocolate base made even more incredible by a luscious peanut butter buttercream frosting that is whipped to fluffy perfection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that balances flavors beautifully and feels downright indulgent in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, a white bowl is filled with smooth, shiny chocolate batter with a black whisk inside, the batter's dark brown color looks thick and creamy with a few small bubbles. On the right, a white metal cupcake tray holds brown cupcake liners, and rich chocolate batter is being poured from a silver scoop into one liner, the batter looks thick and smooth as it flows down in a thick stream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a vital role in making these cupcakes incredibly moist, flavorful, and textured just right. From the freshly brewed coffee enhancing the chocolate depth to the smooth peanut butter creating that irresistible frosting, every component contributes to the magic.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and soft.
Whole Milk (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness.
Freshly Brewed Coffee (room temperature): Enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and roundness to the batter and frosting.
Egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and helps with structure.
All Purpose Flour: Forms the base that holds everything together.
Cocoa Powder: Packs that deep, chocolaty punch.
Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise beautifully.
Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients to lighten texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and creamy frosting base.
Peanut Butter (smooth, unsweetened): The star of the frosting adding creamy, nutty goodness.
Powdered Sugar (sifted): Sweetens and lightens the buttercream texture.
Heavy Cream (36% fat content): Adds silkiness and fluffiness to the frosting.
Melted Chocolate: For drizzling a shiny, indulgent topping.
Chopped Peanuts: Provides a delightful crunch and extra nuttiness.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Tin and Oven

Start by lining your cupcake tin with muffin liners and preheating your oven to 175℃ / 350℉ (no fan). Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Whip Together Wet Ingredients

Using an electric hand mixer, combine the room temperature egg, vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugar, freshly brewed coffee, milk, and vanilla extract. Whip them together for 1-2 minutes until everything is well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This method removes lumps and ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter.

Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and fold them together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to denser cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out your cupcakes, so watch carefully.

Step 6: Cool the Cupcakes

Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack and allow them to reach room temperature before frosting. Cooling fully is key to preventing the frosting from melting or sliding off.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting

Cream the room-temperature butter with the smooth peanut butter at medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns lighter in color and becomes fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time on low speed, then beat at medium-high speed for another 4 minutes to increase volume and lightness.

Step 8: Whip in Final Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, then continue whipping for an additional minute until everything is smooth and silky. Adjust the consistency with extra cream or powdered sugar if necessary to achieve that perfect pipeable, fluffy frosting texture.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Transfer the peanut butter buttercream into a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle, then pipe generous swirls atop each cooled cupcake. Finish by drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting and sprinkling with chopped peanuts for an irresistible final touch.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows two chocolate cupcakes with thick, creamy light brown frosting swirled on top in three tall layers that create a smooth, spiral texture. The cupcake at the front is in focus on a small round grey surface, with the piping nozzle positioned above adding the fifth swirl of frosting. The cupcake liners are dark brown and the background is simple with a soft blur of a second cupcake behind. The scene is set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet stunning, garnishes elevate your cupcakes’ appearance and flavor. Try drizzling with melted chocolate, sprinkling crushed peanuts, or even topping with a small peanut butter cup for that wow factor. These accents highlight the peanut butter and chocolate combination perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your cupcakes with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for complementary balance. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cupcakes without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cupcakes on a decorative cake stand for celebrations or pack them individually in pretty boxes as delightful gifts. You can even create a cupcake platter featuring different frostings or toppings to excite guests with variety while keeping the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any cupcakes left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, and chilling actually helps preserve the buttercream’s texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cupcakes can last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Remove the cupcakes from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to bring them back to room temperature. Avoid heating in the microwave as this may melt the frosting; instead, let them rest naturally to maintain their structure and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of texture to the frosting, making it even more interesting. Just keep in mind that the frosting might be slightly less smooth but equally delicious.

Is the freshly brewed coffee noticeable in the cupcakes?

The coffee really enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste. If you prefer, you can substitute it with brewed hot water, but the coffee adds a subtle depth that’s worth trying.

Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting the butter for a dairy-free alternative and using a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, you can enjoy these cupcakes without dairy. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft or melting. Also, add powdered sugar gradually to thicken the frosting and only add cream in small amounts until you reach the perfect fluffy consistency.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip for the most attractive swirls. Start piping from the outside edge of the cupcake and work your way in for a classic swirl effect that showcases the fluffy peanut butter buttercream beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe is one you really need to try sooner rather than later. Every bite is a perfect dance of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter, wrapped in a fluffy, moist cupcake. I promise you’ll want to keep a batch ready for parties, cozy nights, or whenever you crave a little sweet happiness. Happy baking!