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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cupcakes

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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!

chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting drizzled with chocolate.

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. 

overhead shot of a chocolate cupcake cut in half filled with a reese's cup.

Equipment you’ll need

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 ChocolateFinely 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 CocoaI 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 PowderHelps give these cupcakes their light and fluffy texture. 
  • EggsI 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 SugarSugar sweetens up these cupcakes, as bittersweet chocolate is, well, bitter.
  • Vanilla ExtractUse real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • SaltA touch of salt enhances the flavor.
  • Greek YogurtUse 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 ButterI 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 SugarAlso known as confectioners’ sugar this is what gives the frosting its sweet taste and silky texture. 
  • Heavy CreamHeavy 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.
overhead shot of labeled ingredients laid out to make chocolate 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.

  1. Step One: Combine and melt the butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder and set aside to cool. 
  1. 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.
  2. Step Three: Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.
melted chocolate and butter in a mixing bowl.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
overhead shot of a cupcake pan with chocolate batter.
  1. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
peanut butter frosting in a mixing bowl.

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. 

chocolate cupcakes topped with peanut butter frosting and mini peanut butter cups.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?

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!

Can I make these stuffed cupcakes in advance?

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. 

Can I make these nut free?

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.

reese's cup baked into a chocolate cupcake.
chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting drizzled with chocolate.

Reese’s Stuffed Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

Melissa Williams | Persnickety Plates
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!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 607 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the Dark Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter cubed
  • 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
  • ½ cup dutch-processed cocoa
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 12 full sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups unwrapped

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 12 mini Peanut Butter Cups for topping cupcakes

Instructions
 

To make the cupcakes

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Set aside.
  • To a large microwave safe bowl, add the butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder.
  • Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until the butter and chocolate is melted and smooth. Set the mixture aside to cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the sugar, vanilla and salt, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the cooled chocolate mixture to the bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Add half of the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture and whisk gently to combine.
  • Add the Greek yogurt and stir to combine.
  • Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and stir until just combined. No white streaks should remain. The cupcake batter will be thick.
  • Place a spoonful of cupcake batter into the bottom of each well of the prepared cupcake pan. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on top of the batter.
  • Cover the peanut butter cups with remaining batter, filling each about 2/3 full.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan to a wire rack and let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the peanut butter frosting

  • While the cupcakes are cooling, make the peanut butter butter cream frosting.
  • To a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and peanut butter and beat on medium speed until creamy.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add in the powdered sugar. Mix until combined and add the heavy cream.
  • Mix until the frosting is fluffy.
  • Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe the peanut butter frosting on and top each with a mini peanut butter cup.

Notes

  • In place of bittersweet chocolate, you can use 1/4 cup of a dark chocolate chip (like Ghirardelli 60% baking chips).
  • Sour cream can be used in place of Greek yogurt.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 607kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 10gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 285mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 3gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 785IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @melissa_pplates or tag #persnicketyplates!

Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

Originally published November 9, 2012



 

 



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  1. Mariel says

    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

  2. Winnie says

    These are simply mouth-watering cupcakes!
    So rich and decadent and – wowwwwwww
    I wish I could grab one now 🙂

  3. Rachel Willis says

    Huge peanut butter cup fan here! In a cupcake is even better!

Melissa Williams/Persnickety Plates is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For more details, please see my Privacy Policy & Disclosures page.