Name: Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup salted butter (softened); 3 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup peanut butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 90 reviews

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If you adore the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then you absolutely have to try this Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe. These little indulgent cakes are a magical experience in dessert form—a delicate outer cake with a molten, gooey peanut butter center that oozes with every bite. Perfectly soft and just sweet enough, they strike the most delightful balance between velvety chocolate and nutty warmth. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an unforgettable dessert moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round chocolate cake with a rough, slightly crumbly texture sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The cake is broken open on one side, revealing a smooth, creamy, light brown filling that is oozing out onto the plate. Small cake crumbs are scattered around the plate, adding texture and contrast to the smooth filling. The overall color palette is deep brown from the cake and light brown from the filling, all set against the clean white plate and marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these stunning Peanut Butter Lava Cakes, you’ll only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in achieving the right texture, flavor, and luscious melt of the cake.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide the perfect smooth chocolate base without too much sweetness, essential for balancing peanut butter’s richness.
Bittersweet chocolate chips: Add depth and a slightly intense chocolate flavor that elevates the whole cake.
Salted butter (softened): Ensures a tender crumb and enriches the chocolate mixture with creaminess and balance.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help create the cake’s delicate structure.
Egg yolk: Boosts richness and contributes to that silky, fudge-like texture inside.
Vanilla extract: A little touch of warmth and complexity that lifts all the flavors.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a smooth batter without graininess.
All-purpose flour: Provides just enough structure so the cake holds its shape but remains soft.
Peanut butter: The star of the show; creamy, nutty, and perfectly melts into a luscious center.

How to Make Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. While it’s warming up, give your 6-cavity muffin tin a generous spray with baking spray to ensure the cakes come out effortlessly later. Setting this up ahead keeps your workflow smooth.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips with softened butter. Melt them together in the microwave using one-minute increments, stirring well each time. You’ll want a silky smooth chocolate mixture with no lumps. Let it cool slightly, about 10 minutes, so you don’t cook the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add your large eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the cooled chocolate blend. Whisk until the batter becomes smooth and fully combined, creating a luscious, glossy base for your cakes.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Flour

Next, sift in powdered sugar and sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until there are no dry bits left. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep everything light and tender.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin cavities, filling each halfway. Then, add a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter right in the center of each cavity—this will be your molten center. Finally, cover the peanut butter with the remaining batter, filling each cavity all the way to the top. This layering guarantees that perfect lava effect once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your lava cakes for about 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops look set and dry but the inside is still soft enough to ooze out peanut butter lava when you cut in. Timing is critical to get that signature flow of warmth.

Step 7: Invert and Serve

After baking, allow the cakes to rest briefly. Then cover the muffin tin with a baking sheet and carefully flip it over to release the cakes onto individual plates. This step reveals the beautifully domed tops and ensures the molten center is perfectly enclosed.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Now comes the fun part—savoring these decadent treats while the center is wonderfully molten and warm. Every bite delivers a blissful balance of chocolatey richness and nutty peanut butter goodness.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe

A single round chocolate cake sits in the center of a white plate. The cake has two main layers: the top layer is fluffy and porous with a slightly rough texture, while the bottom layer is denser with a cracked surface showing a rich, darker brown color. The cake's edges are slightly crumbly, and the background shows a white marbled texture with a blurry chocolate item in the distance. A small part of an orange cloth is visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes make these cakes look spectacular and add layers of texture. A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh raspberries, or a light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce pair beautifully. For a little extra crunch, chopped roasted peanuts on top create an excellent contrast to the soft cake.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peanut Butter Lava Cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cool and complement the warm, molten center. Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas can add brightness and flavor contrast, making the dessert feel even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, consider serving individual cakes in pretty ramekins or decorative bowls. You can also add a few edible flowers for a whimsical touch. Presenting the cakes with a warm cup of coffee or espresso takes the experience up a notch, creating indoor cozy moments you’ll crave again and again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Peanut Butter Lava Cakes left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they lose a bit of that oozy luxury when chilled, they still make a delicious treat when warmed back up.

Freezing

You can freeze the cakes—either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, prepare them fully then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, storing for up to one month. To freeze baked, cool completely then wrap individually and freeze. This way, you can enjoy your Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe anytime sudden dessert cravings strike.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen cakes in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until warmed through, or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the molten center beautifully, almost as if freshly baked. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Can I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?

Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well but creamy peanut butter melts more evenly, giving that perfect molten center. If you prefer crunchy, expect some delightful textural contrasts.

Is it possible to make these lava cakes dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Just be sure your chosen substitutions melt smoothly to keep the batter silky.

How do I know when the lava cakes are perfectly cooked?

The tops should look set and slightly dry, but when you shake gently, there’s a subtle wiggle in the center. This indicates the inside is still molten and ready to gush with peanut butter goodness.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredient amounts and use two muffin tins or bake in batches. The baking time remains about the same for each tin.

What’s the best way to prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan?

Generously spraying your muffin tin with baking spray or greasing and flouring it lightly helps the cakes release easily. This step is crucial for maintaining the molten center intact.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Peanut Butter Lava Cakes Recipe will surely brighten your dessert game with its rich, molten centers and irresistible flavor combo. It’s a straightforward recipe that says “wow” without requiring complicated steps — perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of pure bliss. Once you make them, these cakes might just become your favorite sweet escape!

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