Description

These Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes are everything you loved about childhood snacks wrapped in a gourmet treat. With a fluffy vanilla base, a surprise gooey jam center, and a creamy peanut butter frosting, this recipe blends sweet nostalgia with bakery-worthy results. Whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, quick baking recipes, or a playful twist on classic cupcakes, this treat is perfect for birthdays, school snacks, or casual indulgence. It’s one of the best food ideas for anyone craving that perfect mix of soft texture and bold flavor. Try this easy recipe today for a sweet, memory-filled bite!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup thick jam (raspberry, grape, or strawberry)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

6. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.

7. Spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon of jam into the center of each cupcake. Lightly press the jam into the batter.

8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake (not the jam) comes out clean.

9. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Make the frosting by beating peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth.

11. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, adding heavy cream as needed to reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency.

12. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally garnish with a dollop of jam or cherry on top.

Notes

Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.

Use a thick, seedless jam for the best gooey center without making the cake soggy.

For perfect frosting swirls, chill the frosting for 10 minutes before piping.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 325
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cupcakes, peanut butter and jelly, jam center cupcakes, nostalgic dessert, easy cupcake recipe