Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings sweet nostalgia to the forefront of your dessert table. These cupcakes combine a fluffy vanilla base with a surprise gooey jam center and creamy peanut butter frosting, offering a unique twist on classic desserts. With their charming appearance and rich flavors, they’re perfect for birthdays, casual indulgence, or simply when you want to savor something sweet. Let’s dive into the details of creating these irresistible cupcakes!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Cake Gooey Center

Here are several reasons to love these cupcakes:

They feature a moist cake with a gooey center that melts in your mouth.
The fluffy texture makes each bite a delight.
They are perfect for any celebration or casual snack.
The surprise jam filling adds a burst of flavor.
Easy to customize with your favorite jam or frosting choices.

A decadent soft cake with a gooey center is always a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe for Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes is not just delicious but also vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Soft Cake Gooey Center

Gather these items:

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

How to Make Soft Cake Gooey Center Step-by-Step

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

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Step 7: Spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon of jam into the center of each cupcake. Lightly press the jam into the batter.

Step 8: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake (not the jam) comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Make the frosting by beating peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth.
Step 11: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, adding heavy cream as needed to reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
Step 12: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally garnish with a dollop of jam or cherry on top.

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Pro Tips for the Best Soft Cake Gooey Center

Keep these in mind:

These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays and casual indulgence.
Experiment with different jam flavors for variety.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Cake Gooey Center

Here are a few ideas for serving:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Serve with fresh berries to enhance the flavors of the jam.
Top with whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Cake Gooey Center

To store, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to revive the gooey center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Cake Gooey Center

What’s the secret to perfect Soft Cake Gooey Center?

The secret to achieving a perfect soft cake with a melting core lies in not overbaking and ensuring the jam is properly incorporated into the batter for that delightful gooey surprise.

Can I make Soft Cake Gooey Center ahead of time?

Yes, these cupcakes can be made ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container and frost them right before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Cake Gooey Center?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure ingredients accurately and ensure your oven is preheated. This will help achieve that gooey center without overbaking.

Variations of Soft Cake Gooey Center You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Substitute the jam with chocolate ganache for a chocolate cake with gooey center.

Add different flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, for new tastes.
Incorporate nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.

Each variation offers a new spin on this classic, ensuring everyone finds something they love!

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