1. Preheat & Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
6. Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Create a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with the peanut butter mixture.
7. Make Peanut Butter Frosting: Beat together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until well blended. Incorporate heavy cream and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
8. Decorate: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the peanut butter frosting, drizzle with melted chocolate chips, and top each with a mini peanut butter cup for a delightful finish.
Enjoy these luscious Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes, perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat to satisfy your peanut butter cravings!
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