Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cake

Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cake: A Decadent Delight

If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then the Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cake is your new favorite dessert. This rich, indulgent cake is filled with mini peanut butter cups that melt into gooey pockets of flavor as it bakes. The result? A moist, chocolatey cake bursting with creamy peanut butter goodness in every bite.

The History of the Explosion Cake

While the exact origins of the “Explosion Cake” are unclear, this style of cake became popular on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram in the early 2010s. The idea is simple yet brilliant — place small candies or treats inside the cake batter before baking so they melt and create “explosions” of flavor throughout the cake. Originally inspired by classic American desserts, explosion cakes have since evolved into a fun and creative way to elevate traditional baked goods.

Ingredients Breakdown

This cake combines basic baking ingredients with rich, indulgent elements to create a flavor-packed treat. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:

• All-purpose flour – provides the structure for the cake.
• Cocoa powder – gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda & salt – help the cake rise and enhance the flavors.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake and balances the bitterness of cocoa.
• Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Milk – adds liquid to create a smooth batter and contributes to the cake’s texture.
• Oil – keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Hot water – helps activate the cocoa and creates a richer flavor while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
• Mini peanut butter cups – the star ingredient! These melt during baking to create delicious, gooey pockets inside the cake.
• Chocolate chips and peanut butter chips – used for topping and extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in hot water to thin out the batter. Be careful, the mixture will be very runny — this is normal!
5. Fold in half of the mini peanut butter cups into the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Press the remaining peanut butter cups into the top of the batter, spacing them evenly.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
10. Sprinkle chocolate and peanut butter chips over the top just before serving (optional) for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
• Don’t skip the hot water — it helps create a soft, fudgy texture.
• To avoid sinking candy, press the remaining peanut butter cups gently into the top of the batter instead of mixing all at once.
• Cool the cake completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• For an even more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top before serving.

Variations and Customizations

This cake is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and replace butter with oil if necessary.
• Nut allergies? Swap peanut butter cups for sunflower seed butter cups or other allergy-friendly alternatives.
• Flavor twists: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to intensify the chocolate flavor, or sprinkle chopped nuts into the batter for crunch.
• Themed versions: Try using seasonal candies or sprinkles on top for holidays like Halloween or Christmas.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While the Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cake is undeniably indulgent, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each slice contains a significant amount of sugar and fat due to the chocolate and peanut butter cups. However, you can make healthier tweaks:

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Opt for natural peanut butter cups with fewer additives.
• Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Choose dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a higher antioxidant content.

On average, one slice of this cake contains around 350–450 calories, depending on portion size and toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 cup mini peanut butter cups, divided
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ¼ cup peanut butter chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually mix in hot water until the batter is thin and slightly glossy.
5. Fold in half of the peanut butter cups.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Gently press the remaining peanut butter cups into the top of the batter.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
10. Sprinkle with chocolate and peanut butter chips before slicing (optional).

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

What kind of peanut butter cups work best?
Miniature versions of popular brands like Reese’s work great, but feel free to use store-brand or homemade mini cups.

How do I keep the cake moist?
Make sure not to overbake. Letting it cool completely before slicing also helps retain moisture.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Fill muffin cups ⅔ full and bake for 18–22 minutes. Adjust the number of peanut butter cups per cupcake accordingly.

Summary

The Peanut Butter Cup Explosion Cake is a rich, chocolatey dessert loaded with melty pockets of peanut butter bliss. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.