Name: Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups and Rolo Toppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pkg (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix; ⅔ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 brick (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (divided); 3 tablespoons icing or powdered sugar (divided); 1 large egg white; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ⅔ cup chocolate chips; ½ brick (4 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 tbsp salted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups powdered or icing sugar (use more if a stiffer consistency is desired); 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract; 24 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Rolo candies; Sprinkles (your favorite variety); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 57 reviews

There is something truly magical about a cupcake that surprises you with a rich, creamy center and finishes with a decadent chocolate and peanut butter crown. The Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups and Rolo Toppers Recipe is one of those divine desserts that perfectly balances flavors and textures, from the moist chocolate cake to the luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with a playful peanut butter cup or Rolo. This recipe will not only satisfy your sweetest cravings but also impress anyone lucky enough to share these delightful treats with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve chocolate cupcakes in a baking tray on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake sits inside colorful cupcake liners in blue, red, green, yellow, and pink, arranged evenly in three rows and four columns. The cupcakes have a smooth dark brown top layer with a dollop of creamy white frosting placed in the center of each one. On top of the frosting, there are small, round, colorful sprinkles and a few crumbs scattered generously, creating a playful texture. The tray has some crumbs scattered around the cupcakes, enhancing the fresh baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is straightforward yet brilliantly layered in flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect cupcake texture and taste, making it easy and fun to whip up these irresistible treats.

Chocolate cake mix: The base of our cupcakes, providing that rich cocoa flavor and tender crumb.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (⅔ cup): A subtle crunch that helps keep the cream cheese layer nestled inside without sinking.
Cream cheese (8 oz softened, plus 4 oz for frosting): The star ingredient that makes the filling ultra creamy and tangy.
Icing or powdered sugar (3 tablespoons for filling, 2 cups for frosting): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and texture.
One large egg white: Helps lighten and stabilize the cream cheese filling.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp for filling and 1/8 tsp for frosting): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
Lemon juice (1 tsp): A bright contrast that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Chocolate chips (⅔ cup): Pockets of melted chocolate add bursts of extra indulgence within the filling.
Salted butter (2 tbsp softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Rolos (24 pieces): The perfect fun topper for every cupcake, giving that extra peanut butter and caramel punch.
Sprinkles: Your favorite variety for a festive, colorful finish.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.

How to Make Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups and Rolo Toppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and the egg white, beating well until fully combined for about a minute. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, folding in the chocolate chips last to keep those little chocolate surprises intact. Refrigerate this mixture to help it firm up as you prepare the cupcake batter.

Step 2: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms, line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups or grease and lightly flour the cups to avoid sticking. This prep prevents any cupcake mishaps and ensures each cupcake comes out perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare and Assemble the Batter and Filling

Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix to prepare the batter. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway. Then, evenly divide the chilled cream cheese filling over the top of the batter in each cup. For an extra surprise, press one mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Rolo into the center of the cream cheese mixture before baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the chocolate cake portion of a cupcake – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid opening the oven door too often to keep the cupcakes from sinking.

Step 5: Cooling Time

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Start removing the cupcakes from the outer edges first, allowing the middle ones more time to set fully. This step ensures your cupcakes hold their shape and that delightful gooey filling stays put.

Step 6: Make the Frosting and Finish

While the cupcakes cool, whip up the frosting by blending the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one and top with a mini peanut butter cup or Rolo along with your favorite sprinkles for that extra festive finish.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups and Rolo Toppers Recipe

A single chocolate cupcake with a textured, slightly crumbly brown base sits on a white marbled surface sprinkled with small, colorful round sprinkles and walnut pieces. The cupcake is topped with a thick layer of smooth, creamy white frosting that has a few more sprinkles and small walnut bits on top. A small, round peanut butter cup is placed standing upright in the center of the frosting. In the background, blurred cupcakes in white wrappers with similar frosting and decorations are visible, along with a white bowl filled with sprinkles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To keep things visually stunning, garnish these cupcakes with colorful sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for added texture. You can even drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel over the frosting for a glossy, mouthwatering appearance.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad make an excellent companion, adding a refreshing element that complements the chocolate and cream cheese beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these cupcakes on a tiered stand to showcase their charm. Using decorative cupcake liners or placing each one in a cute cupcake wrapper can elevate their look. You might also add small flags or labels to personalize the presentation for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese filling and frosting fresh while maintaining the cupcake’s soft texture. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This method preserves the flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want the cupcakes slightly warm, especially to soften the chocolate chips inside the filling, remove the plastic wrap and microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it could melt the frosting and affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of the mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite chocolate cake recipe as the base. The cream cheese filling and toppings will work just as wonderfully with homemade batter, providing a chance to customize flavors even further.

What if I don’t have mini Reese’s or Rolo candies?

No worries at all! You can substitute with any small peanut butter or caramel-filled chocolates you love, or even skip the candy topper and add a swirl of frosting with sprinkles instead. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable.

How can I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out while baking?

The key is chilling the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the batter, and distributing the batter and filling properly without mixing them. The nuts also help create a barrier that keeps the filling nestled inside.

Is it okay to prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the frosting can be made up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before frosting the cupcakes for the best spreadable consistency.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

You can try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes, along with a suitable cake mix. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it’s a great way to make this recipe inclusive.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cups and Rolo Toppers Recipe. Whether for a birthday, special gathering, or simply to treat yourself, these cupcakes deliver joy in every bite. Dive in, have fun with the toppings, and watch these cupcakes become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire.