These Reese’s Stuffed Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting take dark chocolate cupcakes to another level. It doesn’t get any more decadent than a Reese’s peanut butter cup baked into the center of the cupcakes which are then topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting and garnished with a mini Reese. Chocolate cupcakes never tasted so good!

Reese’s Pieces Stuffed Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
Chocolate and peanut butter have to be one of the best combinations! If you agree we can definitely be friends.
And as your friend, I must tell you these chocolate covered rice krispie balls, no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars, and chocolate chip peanut butter cookie cups, should be next on your list.
This is why the rich dark chocolate and smooth creamy peanut butter make these the ultimate cupcakes. So for all the chocolate lovers, the peanut butter lovers, and the decadent cupcake lovers, this chocolate cupcake recipe is for you!
Feel free to play around with the ingredients and add your other favorite toppings or mix-ins. If you can’t get your hands on Reese’s peanut butter cups, any brand will work or even a tablespoon of peanut butter would complement the flavors of these moist chocolate cupcakes well.
Why you’ll love Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
Decadent – Moist cupcakes with a rich chocolate flavor, and a peanut butter cup center all smothered with fluffy peanut butter frosting. Decadence galore!
Fun – It’s so much fun to eat these cupcakes with a hidden peanut butter cup in the middle.
Versatile – Easily modifiable; add chocolate chips, make cream cheese frosting, a peanut butter buttercream, or hide some Hershey’s kisses inside instead of the Reese’s.
Loaded with peanut butter – Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are a definite treat for all peanut butter lovers.

Equipment you’ll need
- Measuring spoons
- Hand or stand mixer
- Cupcake or muffin tray
- Whisk
- Piping bag & star tip
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
For the Dark Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Butter – Use room-temperature unsalted butter, cubed, to control the amount of salt. If you’ve only got salted butter on hand use it but omit any added salt.
- Bittersweet Chocolate – Finely chopped bittersweet chocolate adds more depth to the chocolate flavor. I like to use Ghirardelli baking chips because I always have them in the pantry or a bar of good baking chocolate.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa – I use Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder will also work.
- All-Purpose Flour – Measure the flour correctly to avoid dry, dense cupcakes. Use a scale or the spoon and level method for just the right amount.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda helps the cupcakes rise.
- Baking Powder – Helps give these cupcakes their light and fluffy texture.
- Eggs– I used large eggs at room temperature to bind the cupcakes and keep them nice and moist. Starting with room temperature ingredients helps with even baking.
- White Sugar – Sugar sweetens up these cupcakes, as bittersweet chocolate is, well, bitter.
- Vanilla Extract – Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Salt – A touch of salt enhances the flavor.
- Greek Yogurt – Use plain Greek yogurt, any fat content will work.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – These full-sized peanut butter cups go inside each of the cupcakes for a fun little surprise!
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- Butter – Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the frosting. It needs to be able to whip and cream nicely.
- Peanut Butter – I prefer to use commercial peanut butter as it will hold the structure better than natural peanut butter, which is runnier and has a tendency to separate. However, because commercial peanut butter usually contains sugar, your frosting may be on the sweeter side. Use natural peanut butter or one that is unsweetened if you’d like to try it out.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar this is what gives the frosting its sweet taste and silky texture.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy cream adds richness and helps make the frosting spreadable but whole milk is another option.
- Mini Peanut Butter Cups – I used mini peanut butter cups for the tops of the cupcakes.

How to make Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Step One: Combine and melt the butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder and set aside to cool.


- Step Two: In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the sugar, vanilla, and salt, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.
- Step Three: Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.

- Step Four: Add half of the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and whisk gently to combine and then add the Greek yogurt and stir. Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Step Five: Place a spoonful of cupcake batter into each well of the cupcake pan. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on top of the batter. Cover the peanut butter cups with the remaining batter, filling each about 2/3 full.

- Step Six: Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, which is about 18-20 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
To make this easy peanut butter frosting
- Step One: To a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add the butter and peanut butter and beat on medium speed until creamy.
- Step Two: With the mixer on low speed, add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined, and then mix in the heavy cream until the frosting is fluffy.
- Step Three: Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag to pipe the peanut butter frosting on and top each with a mini peanut butter cup.

What to serve with Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
If you’re serving these as a snack they go well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
For a festive occasion, pair them with these Vanilla Cupcakes or these Marble Cupcakes for variety and nut-free options.
Tips & Suggestions
- In place of bittersweet chocolate, you can use 1/4 cup of a dark chocolate chip (like Ghirardelli 60% baking chips) or semi-sweet chocolate chips will also work.
- Try sour cream instead of Greek yogurt, full fat or low-fat are both good options.
- For a super quick and easy alternative, use a chocolate cake mix instead of preparing the chocolate cupcake batter.
- Substitute your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe and follow these instructions for adding the Reese’s cup and peanut butter frosting.
- Stir in a touch of espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. Instant espresso is the best option.
How to reheat and store Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
How to store leftovers
These stuffed cupcakes will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How long will homemade Reese’s cupcakes last in the fridge?
Though you don’t need to store these cupcakes in the fridge, if it is hot and humid in your kitchen it may be a good idea. If stored in the fridge, the cupcakes will keep for up to one week.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, absolutely. If you want to freeze, they will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the cupcakes sit on the kitchen counter until soft.

FAQs
If you don’t have any peanut butter cups on hand you can substitute any chocolate candy, mini chocolate bar, marshmallows, mini cookies, or soft caramels instead!
Yes, you can make these cupcakes a few days before you want to serve them. If you can, frost them before you serve them for the best flavor and texture.
Although they would no longer be peanut butter chocolate cupcakes, you could make an alternative if you want to make nut-free stuffed cupcakes. Use a mini nut-free chocolate bar and prepare a simple chocolate frosting without peanut butter.
Need more delicious homemade cupcake recipes? Try these:
Adorable Chocolate Panda Cupcakes
Cheesecake Filled Black Bottom Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes Filled With Vanilla Buttercream
Lemon Cupcakes With Raspberry Frosting
Click here for my entire collection of dessert recipes.

Originally published November 9, 2012


These look amazing… pinned! Love your site, found you at the Thankful Series Blog Hop… following you now.
Have a great weekend,
Jenn
http://jennsrandomscraps.blogspot.ca/
I would love for you to share this (or any of your other great ideas) at the link party going on through tomorrow night at ‘Or so she says …’ Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
These are simply mouth-watering cupcakes!
So rich and decadent and – wowwwwwww
I wish I could grab one now 🙂
Huge peanut butter cup fan here! In a cupcake is even better!