Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup light brown sugar; ¾ cup cake flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 7 tablespoons Dutch processed cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 large egg; ¼ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt is a great substitute); ¼ cup whole milk; ½ cup warm water; ¼ cup olive oil (any neutral flavored oil will work); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 1⅓ cup creamy peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon whole milk (heavy cream also works); ¼ cup dark chocolate, melted (optional); ¼ cup salted roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 85 reviews

Ready to dive into a crowd-pleaser? This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe brings together the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the creamy, nutty delight of peanut butter frosting. It’s a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cupcakes are the perfect way to satisfy that chocolate and peanut butter craving in one delicious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several peanut butter cupcakes with creamy peanut butter frosting, each topped with a swirl of chocolate and chopped peanuts around the edges. Four cupcakes are in a gray metal muffin tray, each lined with dark cupcake liners and evenly frosted with a smooth beige peanut butter layer, swirled on top with darker chocolate. Two cupcakes are placed outside the tray on a white marbled surface, sharing the same layered look with light tan frosting, chocolate swirls, and chopped peanuts around the outer edge. Scattered peanuts surround the cupcakes, adding texture to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of moist chocolate cupcakes topped with luscious peanut butter frosting. The basics are simple but chosen carefully to ensure the best texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the cupcake batter.
Cake flour: Ensures a soft, tender crumb that’s not too dense.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and supports the airy texture.
Dutch processed cocoa powder: Gives a deep chocolate richness and a smooth color.
Instant espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor, making it more pronounced without adding a coffee taste.
Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavor complexities.
Baking soda and baking powder: Both work together to help the cupcakes rise perfectly fluffy.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist and tender.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the batter.
Warm water: Helps activate the cocoa powder and keeps the batter smooth.
Olive oil (or neutral oil): Contributes to moist texture without overpowering flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma to round out the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Creamy base for the peanut butter frosting.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the frosting, delivering that irresistible nutty taste.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading.
Whole milk (for frosting): Helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency.
Dark chocolate, melted (optional): For a glossy drizzle that ups the indulgence factor.
Salted roasted peanuts, chopped (optional): Adds crunch and a salty contrast on top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 340°F (170°C) and lining your cupcake tin with paper liners. This prep step ensures even baking and easy removal when your cupcakes are ready. Trust me, setting the tone right here will make your baking experience seamless and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the light brown sugar, cake flour, all-purpose flour, Dutch processed cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, fine sea salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This sifting process is key—it blends everything evenly and helps create a light, airy texture by removing lumps.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, add the egg, sour cream, whole milk, warm water, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make cupcakes tough, so keep your folding motion light and loving. The batter will look smooth and luscious, full of promise for what’s coming next.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will soon be filled with that incredible chocolate aroma that’s impossible to resist.

Step 5: Cool the Cupcakes

Once out of the oven, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a minute, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s tempting to frost right away, but giving them the time to cool ensures your frosting doesn’t melt and slide right off.

Step 6: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until pale and fluffy. This aeration is what makes the frosting so dreamy. If the mix feels too soft at any point, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes then beat again. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add whole milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for piping or spreading.

Step 7: Decorate the Cupcakes

Pipe or spread your peanut butter frosting generously over the cooled chocolate cupcakes. For the final flourish, drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle chopped salted roasted peanuts on top. Optional but highly recommended — these touches create a beautiful, inviting presentation and add texture contrast.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe

A close-up view of a chocolate cupcake with two clear layers: the bottom is a dark, rich chocolate cake with a moist texture, and the top is a thick, light caramel-colored frosting sprinkled with small chopped nuts on right side edges. The cupcake sits in a crinkled brown paper liner that is partially open, resting on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are three more cupcakes that are slightly out of focus, all topped with the same caramel-colored frosting and chopped nuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic combination of melted dark chocolate and chopped roasted peanuts provides a lovely textural contrast and glossy finish that makes these cupcakes look as incredible as they taste. Feel free to get creative too—sprinkles, edible gold dust, or even a small peanut butter cup on top make stunning options.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee to complement those deep chocolate and peanut butter flavors perfectly. For a fancier touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance richness with a hint of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

These cupcakes lend themselves brilliantly to themed parties and special gatherings. Stack them on a tiered stand for a striking dessert table centerpiece or arrange in cupcake boxes for thoughtful gifts. You might even make mini versions for bite-sized indulgence at events!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re in a warmer climate, refrigerate them to prevent the frosting from getting too soft. Always bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes either before or after frosting. For freezing unfrosted cupcakes, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frost after thawing. To freeze frosted cupcakes, place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For cupcakes that have been refrigerated or frozen, warming up slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds brings back softness without melting the frosting. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake or make the frosting too runny. Enjoy them just like you made them fresh!

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream and will give your cupcakes a similarly moist and tender crumb, with a slightly tangy twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.

What’s the purpose of the instant espresso powder?

Instant espresso powder doesn’t add a coffee flavor, but it intensifies the chocolate taste, making it richer and more vibrant, which is perfect for the deep chocolate notes in this cupcake recipe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter yields the smoothest frosting, crunchy peanut butter can add a pleasant texture and extra crunch. Just keep in mind that the frosting might be a bit chunkier.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

With some adjustments, yes. Using a gluten-free flour blend in place of cake and all-purpose flour can work, but be sure to check your blend for baking powder content to get the best rise and texture.

Do I have to use olive oil?

Nope! Olive oil is just a simple neutral option here. Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil will work perfectly fine without affecting the taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about the way chocolate and peanut butter come together in this cupcake recipe. Every bite feels like a little celebration of flavor and texture, from the moist chocolate base to the creamy peanut butter frosting and crunchy toppings. Next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself, don’t hesitate to try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Recipe—it’s a guaranteed hit and a delicious way to show your love through baking.