Description
Indulge in these rich and gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cakes, featuring a luscious molten peanut butter center encased in a decadent chocolate cake. Perfectly baked for a gooey texture, these individual cakes offer a delightful combination of bittersweet, semi-sweet chocolate, and creamy peanut butter in every bite.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Filling
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 6-cavity muffin tin with baking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for use later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, and softened butter. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue to heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the cooled chocolate mixture, add the 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Sugar and Flour: Add 1/3 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to the batter. Gently fold and mix with a spatula until no dry lumps remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Assemble Lava Cakes: Fill each muffin cavity halfway with the chocolate batter. Place a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter in the center of each filled cavity, then cover with the remaining batter, filling the cavities to the top.
- Bake the Cakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops are dry and firm but the center remains gooey.
- Release and Serve: Let the cakes rest for a few minutes after baking. Cover the muffin tin with a baking sheet, carefully invert it, and gently transfer the cakes onto individual serving plates.
- Enjoy: Serve the Peanut Butter Lava Cakes warm for the best molten center experience. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use natural or creamy peanut butter for a smooth molten center; chunky peanut butter might alter the texture.
- Be careful not to overbake, as the gooey lava effect depends on slightly underbaking.
- Allow the cakes to cool slightly before removing them from the tin to avoid breaking.
- These cakes are best served warm to enjoy the molten peanut butter core.
- For a nut-free variation, substitute the peanut butter with a chocolate ganache or fruit preserve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American