If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, these Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite dessert. They’re rich, indulgent, and filled with a creamy peanut butter surprise in the center. Topped with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel sauce, these cupcakes are simply irresistible. Here’s how you can whip up a batch of these decadent treats in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make cleanup easy and ensure your cupcakes come out perfectly shaped.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma.
4. Bring It All Together
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cupcakes may turn out dense instead of fluffy.
5. Fill and Add the Surprise
   Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. Drop a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter into the center of each, then cover with more batter until the liners are about 3/4 full.
6. Bake to Perfection
   Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding the frosting.
7. Decorate and Indulge
   Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each cupcake. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolate pieces for extra flair.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors—moist chocolate cake, a gooey peanut butter center, creamy frosting, and a touch of crunch from the toppings. They’re perfect for parties, special occasions, or just treating yourself on a cozy evening at home.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per cupcake | Servings: 12 cupcakes

These Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them out and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!