Name: Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 cup Granulated sugar; 1/3 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Buttermilk ((or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested 5 minutes)); 1/2 cup Vegetable oil; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Hot water or hot coffee; 12 pieces Miniature or regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Frozen for 10 minutes before baking); 1 cup Unsalted butter (Softened); 1 cup Creamy peanut butter; 2 1/2 cups Powdered sugar; 1/4 cup Heavy cream or milk; 1 pinch Salt; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; Drizzled melted chocolate or ganache; Chopped Reese’s Cups; Mini Reese’s cups

Jump to Recipe

Imagine biting into a rich, fluffy cupcake, only to discover a gooey, chocolatey, peanut butter surprise nestled inside. Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are pure bliss for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike! These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat, combining the nostalgic flavor of America’s favorite candy with the comfort of homemade baking. Did you know that pairing chocolate and peanut butter is so iconic it’s inspired countless desserts for decades? The best part about these cupcakes is that they’re as easy to whip up as they are to devour—perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings. On the blog, these cupcakes are the sweet cousin to my Chocolate Ganache-Filled Muffins, which readers adore for their decadence and ease. Trust me, after just one bite, everyone at your table will be begging for the recipe. Get ready to make memories and smiles—let’s bake up some delicious fun together!

What is Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes?

Let’s break down the name—doesn’t “Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes” kind of say it all? It’s a mouthful, quite literally and figuratively! This playful fusion takes the classic cupcake and stuffs it with the irresistible magic of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Why do we love combining desserts? Because, as they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and frankly, these cupcakes are the shortcut. Who could resist that surprise peanut butter core hugged by chocolate cake? No one, that’s who! So why not treat yourself and give this recipe a try? Let your cupcake adventure begin—you and your sweet tooth deserve it!

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star of this show is right inside the cupcake—a gooey, melty peanut butter cup that oozes with every bite. Second, making these at home is not only fun but cost-efficient; store-bought gourmet cupcakes can’t compare to the homemade charm and savings of this recipe! Finally, the toppings are truly special: swirls of creamy peanut butter frosting, drizzles of melted chocolate, and more Reese’s morsels on top for that Instagram-worthy finish. Compared to my fan-favorite Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, these cupcakes deliver the same wow factor with a convenient, cupcake-sized portion. Don’t miss out—grab your apron, and give this unforgettable recipe a try right in your own kitchen!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are surprisingly simple. You won’t need fancy equipment or special skills—just two bowls, a whisk, and a muffin tin. The batter comes together in minutes, and with a prep time of about 20 minutes and a bake time under 25, you’re less than an hour away from cupcake heaven. The irresistible aroma of chocolate and peanut butter makes waiting the hardest part! Whether you’re a beginner baker or a cupcake enthusiast, these are sure to become a go-to treat. Don’t forget to freeze those peanut butter cups before you begin—this is the secret to keeping the centers delightfully gooey and delicious!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and rested 5 minutes)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup hot water or hot coffee
12 miniature or regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, frozen for 10 minutes before baking

For the Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Drizzled melted chocolate or ganache
Chopped Reese’s Cups
Mini Reese’s cups

Step-by-Step

Prepare Peanut Butter Cups
Place Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This helps them stay intact during baking and creates a perfect gooey center.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
Add Hot Water or Coffee
Gradually mix in the hot water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin—this is normal and helps the cupcakes stay moist.
Fill the Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter. Place a frozen peanut butter cup in the center of each.
Cover and Bake
Spoon additional batter on top to cover the peanut butter cups fully. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the center) comes out clean.
Cool Completely
Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter and peanut butter in a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat well. Add vanilla, salt, and enough heavy cream or milk to achieve a light, fluffy consistency.
Frost the Cupcakes
Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the peanut butter frosting generously on each cupcake.
Add Toppings
For extra flair, drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache and sprinkle chopped Reese’s Cups or place mini Reese’s cups on top.

What to Serve Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes With

Pair these decadent cupcakes with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat kids and adults both love. For parties, serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter to balance the sweetness, or offer some crunchy pretzel sticks for a salty-sweet contrast. Coffee or a creamy mocha pairs perfectly, especially if you use espresso in your cupcake batter. They also make a delightful finish to a casual barbecue or family dinner—just add vanilla ice cream for over-the-top indulgence!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Always freeze the peanut butter cups before baking—this prevents them from melting too quickly and sinking to the bottom.
Use hot coffee instead of water in the cupcake batter for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
For the frosting, creamy peanut butter works best, but you can experiment with crunchy for extra texture.
Be sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before adding the frosting; warm cupcakes will melt the butter and ruin the swirl.
Want a gluten-free option? Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your Reese’s Cups are gluten-free.
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined.

Storing and Reheating Tips

For the freshest results, store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, especially if your kitchen is cool. If it’s warm, refrigerate the cupcakes to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft— they’ll keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw cupcakes at room temperature before enjoying. If reheating, microwave un-frosted cupcakes for 10-15 seconds to recreate that gooey center—then top with frosting just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?
It’s best to use creamy, commercial peanut butter for the frosting because natural varieties can be too oily or runny, affecting the texture.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them fresh before serving. They also freeze well, with or without frosting.

What size peanut butter cups work best?
Both miniature and regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups work, but miniatures are easier to fit in standard cupcakes and distribute evenly.

Can I use boxed cake mix instead of homemade batter?
Yes, you can use your favorite chocolate cake mix if you’re pressed for time. Just follow the box instructions and insert the peanut butter cups as described.

Are these cupcakes nut-free?
Unfortunately, no— these cupcakes are not nut-free due to the peanut butter cups and peanut butter in the frosting.

Conclusion

Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes are an irresistible treat that turns any day into a celebration. With their simple steps, wholesome ingredients, and surprise candy-filled center, these cupcakes will win over chocolate and peanut butter fans of all ages. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a casual party, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to check out more delicious cupcake and dessert recipes on the blog for even more baking inspiration. Now’s the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones—happy baking!