Imagine cutting into a cute owl-shaped cupcake and discovering a hidden treasure of creamy peanut butter waiting inside rich chocolate cake! These whimsical Surprise Inside Chocolate Peanut Butter Owl Cupcakes are not just a dessert - they're an experience that will delight both children and adults alike. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or when you want to add a touch of culinary magic to your day, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become an instant favorite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- Chocolate frosting for decoration
- Edible eyes for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 1/3 full with chocolate batter, then add a small dollop of peanut butter in the center of each.
- Cover the peanut butter with additional chocolate batter, filling each liner about 3/4 full to create the surprise inside effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with chocolate frosting, creating a smooth surface for decorating.
- Use the chocolate frosting to pipe owl-like ears and texture on top of each cupcake.
- Place edible eyes strategically to create the owl face design.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- When adding peanut butter, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to create a neat center dollop.
- Don't overmix the batter - stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined to keep cupcakes tender.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for creating precise owl ear and texture details.
- For perfectly smooth frosting, dip your spatula in hot water before smoothing the surface.
- Refrigerate cupcakes briefly to help frosting set and make decorating easier.
- Get creative with eye placement to give each owl cupcake a unique personality!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
