Soft Cake Gooey Center cupcakes are a delightful blend of nostalgia and gourmet flair, reminiscent of childhood treats. Each bite reveals a fluffy vanilla base paired with a surprise gooey jam center, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re reminiscing about school snacks or looking for an indulgent treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes are sure to impress! Let’s dive into this easy recipe that combines fun and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Cake Gooey Center

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about the experience of baking and sharing. Here’s why you’ll adore these cupcakes:

They feature a soft cake with gooey center that surprises with every bite.
Each cupcake has a moist cake with a runny middle, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Easy to make, they are ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
These cupcakes are versatile, allowing for different flavors of jam to customize your creation.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply an afternoon treat!
They embody the spirit of a cake with a molten core, making them a fun twist on traditional cupcakes.
They are a decadent cake with liquid center that will impress your family and friends.
Overall, they offer the best of both worlds: nostalgia and gourmet style.

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.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soft Cake Gooey Center

Keep these in mind:

These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays and casual indulgence.
Experiment with different flavors of jam for variety—you can also use chocolate or caramel for a unique twist!
Store in an airtight container for freshness; they stay delicious for several days.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality butter and natural peanut butter.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Cake Gooey Center

Here are some delightful serving ideas:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gooey center cake dessert that is heavenly!
Serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
Top with fresh berries to add a fruity twist to your dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Cake Gooey Center

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This method works perfectly for achieving that soft and gooey center once again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Cake Gooey Center

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

The secret lies in the baking time. To achieve that perfect gooey center, make sure not to overbake. The center should be slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make Soft Cake Gooey Center ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake these cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and frost them right before serving to maintain freshness.

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

Always measure your flour correctly and don’t skip the step of pressing the jam into the batter. This helps ensure the jam creates that desired gooey center.

Variations of Soft Cake Gooey Center You Can Try

Here are some fun variations:

Use different jams like blueberry or apricot for a unique flavor twist.
Substitute the peanut butter frosting with cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
For a chocolate twist, try adding cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate cake with molten center.
Make mini versions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category. You might also enjoy making Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies or Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’re interested in baking techniques, learn more about baking chocolate eclair cake.