Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.Lining the tin ensures clean release and helps the cupcakes maintain shape as the lava center melts inside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.Mixing the dry ingredients separately promotes even leavening and prevents clumps in the batter.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 min).This step incorporates air, giving the cupcakes a tender, elevated texture.
4. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter.Blend until smooth. The batter will thicken slightly from the added peanut butter.
5. Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined.Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, delicate crumb.
6. Fold in the peanut butter chips.Gently incorporate them so they stay evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter.This leaves room for the lava center without overflowing during baking.