Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

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Imagine biting into a cupcake that instantly takes you back to your childhood lunchbox treat—only better. These Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes are like your favorite after-school candy got an upgrade, wrapped in a moist, rich cake and topped with a silky peanut butter frosting and a hint of cherry surprise.

The center stays slightly molten and dreamy, making every bite feel indulgent without being over the top. Think of the comfort of classic peanut butter and jelly, but as a bakery-worthy cupcake. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to treat yourself to something nostalgic and fun, these are your golden ticket.


What Makes These Cupcakes Taste Like Recess?

It’s all in the layers. The cupcake base is light yet buttery, with just enough structure to hold a gooey center that melts in your mouth. The peanut butter frosting swirls on thick and luscious, adding that creamy, salty balance to the sweet. And the maraschino cherry on top? That’s the wink to the fruit snack in every kid’s lunchbox.

You get moist cake, gooey center, nostalgic flavor, and a fancy finish—all in one bite. Basically, they’re like a candy bar, PB&J sandwich, and a cupcake all rolled into one.


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Ingredients for the Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

  • All-Purpose Flour – Creates the soft and tender cake base with just the right crumb.
  • Baking Powder – Helps the cupcakes rise for a fluffy texture.
  • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter – Adds rich, creamy flavor to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and gives structure.
  • Eggs – Binds ingredients and creates that golden color.
  • Vanilla Extract – Rounds out all the flavors with warmth.
  • Whole Milk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter – Used in the frosting for that nostalgic PB note.
  • Powdered Sugar – Whips into the frosting for a smooth finish.
  • Heavy Cream – Loosens the frosting just enough for perfect piping.
  • Maraschino Cherries – The iconic garnish that adds both sweetness and visual appeal.

How To Make the Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step gives the cupcakes that delicate crumb and buttery texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Be sure everything is fully incorporated to build a smooth, cohesive batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar together. Slowly add heavy cream until the texture is fluffy and pipeable. Adjust with more cream if needed.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Pipe the frosting generously on top of each cooled cupcake. Finish with a single maraschino cherry centered on top for that classic look and burst of sweetness.


How to Serve and Store These Cupcakes

These cupcakes shine at room temperature, where the gooey center softens and the frosting stays creamy. For serving at a party, display them on a cake stand with a dome to preserve freshness without refrigeration.

To store, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If it’s warm where you are, refrigerate them but bring them to room temp before serving—the texture and flavor are best when they’re soft and slightly gooey.

Planning ahead? These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Just skip the cherry on top until you’re ready to serve. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then decorate fresh.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the center of the cupcake gooey?

Don’t overbake. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs—not totally clean. The residual heat will keep the middle soft.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can, but it won’t be as silky. Crunchy adds texture, which could be fun, but you’ll need to adjust the cream to keep the frosting pipeable.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?

No problem! Try a dollop of cherry jam, a fresh raspberry, or even a mini peanut butter cup for an equally fun twist.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of wheat flour.

Is it okay to make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temp and give it a quick whip before piping.

How do I make them extra gooey?

Add a tiny spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella to the center of the batter before baking. It melts into the cupcake and makes it even dreamier.


Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If these Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes made your inner child smile, you’ll love these playful desserts too:

For even more sweet inspiration and behind-the-scenes baking fun, follow me over on Pinterest at Life with Nina.


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make the center extra gooey? Try a different frosting twist?

I love seeing your creative takes on these cupcakes. Share your tips or questions below—let’s help each other bake memories.


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Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

Soft Cake Gooey Center and the Cupcake That Tastes Like Recess

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A nostalgic, bakery-style cupcake inspired by the classic PB&J. These Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes have a moist vanilla base, gooey core, fluffy peanut butter frosting, and are topped with a maraschino cherry for the perfect throwback treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup whole milk

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream

12 maraschino cherries


Instructions

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

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

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

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Do not overmix.

6. Spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.

7. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.

8. For frosting, beat peanut butter and powdered sugar. Add cream slowly until desired consistency is reached.

9. Pipe frosting on cooled cupcakes and top with a maraschino cherry.


Notes

Don’t overbake—keep the center moist for the gooey effect.

Add a teaspoon of peanut butter or Nutella in the center of the batter before baking for extra gooeyness.

Let frosting come to room temperature if made ahead, and re-whip before piping.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: peanut butter cupcakes, gooey center, nostalgic dessert

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