Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcakes: A Perfectly Sweet and Salty Treat

These chocolate peanut butter pretzel cupcakes combine the best of both worlds: rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter filling, and the perfect balance of salty pretzel crunch.

Whether you’re a chocolate and peanut butter fan or someone who loves a little bit of sweet and salty in their treats, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite. The creamy peanut butter center paired with a crunchy pretzel crust is truly irresistible, and the drizzle of melted chocolate on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcakes

Pretzel Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups pretzel crumbs (150 g)

• 1/4 cup sugar (50 g)

• 6 tbsp butter, melted (85 g)

• 1 tsp chocolate chips per cupcake (5 g)

Filling:

• 2/3 cup peanut butter (160 g)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g)

Cake:

• 2 cups sugar (400 g)

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220 g)

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (65 g)

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (6 g)

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda (6 g)

• 1 tsp salt (5 g)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

• 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

Frosting:

• 1 cup butter, softened (225 g)

• 2 cups peanut butter (480 g)

• 5-6 cups powdered sugar (600-720 g)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

• 1-2 tbsp whole milk (15-30 ml)

Topping:

• 30 pretzels

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (85 g)

• 2 tbsp butter, melted (30 g)

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 30 muffin tins with paper liners.

2. For the crust: Combine the pretzel crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until well combined.

3. Divide the crust mixture evenly among the muffin cups and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon. Add a heaping teaspoon of chocolate chips on top of each crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until the chocolate has melted.

4. For the filling: Scoop the peanut butter into a small bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the peanut butter reaches a dough-like consistency. It should still be a bit sticky.

5. Form the peanut butter mixture into small balls and place one on top of each melted chocolate in the muffin cups.

6. For the cake: Sift together all the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt) and set aside.

7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat until just combined.

8. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes.

9. Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing to combine. The batter will be thin.

10. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Depending on the size of your muffin pans and how much crust and peanut butter filling you have, you may have extra batter. If so, bake a few plain chocolate cupcakes! Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the pans and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

11. For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Then increase to high speed and beat until fluffy. If needed, add milk or more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

12. For the topping: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together until smooth and glossy.

13. To assemble the cupcakes: Using a piping tip (like 1M), swirl the peanut butter frosting onto the cupcakes. Place a pretzel on top, and drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the frosting using a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. They combine the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet, indulgent treat, these cupcakes will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite of this perfect blend of sweet and salty, and share them with friends and family for a guaranteed hit!