Nutty Buddy Cupcakes (Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert)

Few dessert combinations are as irresistible as chocolate and peanut butter, and these Nutty Buddy Cupcakes deliver both in every bite. Made with a moist chocolate cake mix, chopped Little Debbie Nutty Buddy bars baked right into the batter, and topped with rich homemade chocolate frosting, these cupcakes are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.

They’re perfect for birthdays, bake sales, potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a fun dessert with a nostalgic twist. The crunchy wafer cookies with creamy peanut butter filling add extra texture and flavor that make these cupcakes stand out from an ordinary chocolate cupcake.

Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, these easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes are sure to disappear quickly! Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Bars brings my husband back to his childhood. These cupcakes do the same-such a great treat with fun memories!

Why You’ll Love These Nutty Buddy Cupcakes

If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, these Little Debbie inspired cupcakes are about to become a favorite dessert! They start with a chocolate cake mix for an easy shortcut, but the additional sour cream and chopped Little Debbie Nutty Buddy bars makes them taste extra special. Every bite is filled with chocolate, crispy wafer crumbs and creamy peanut butter crumbs for a delicious combination that’s hard to resist.

These cupcakes are simple enough to make for an afternoon treat yet impressive enough to serve at birthday parties, family gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales. The rich homemade chocolate frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making each cupcake look just as good as it tastes. Use extra Nutty Buddy Bars to press into the top of the frosting or crumble some Nutty Buddy Bars to sprinkle on top. They turn out fun, cute and irresistible.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• Easy to make with a boxed chocolate cake mix
• Filled with small pieces of Little Debbie Nutty Buddy bars for extra flavor and texture
• Rich homemade chocolate frosting is smooth, creamy, and chocolatey
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, and bake sales
• Great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules
• Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic flavor combination everyone enjoys

Welcome! We are so glad to have you here today. You will find many fun and delicious recipes here, on our food recipe blog, that the whole family will enjoy eating and you will enjoy making. Here are a few recipe posts to get your browsing started: Little Smokies Breakfast Bake, Spicy Spanish Rice, Pina Colada Slushies, Tropical Freeze, Scotchmallow Cookies, Traeger S’mores Brownies, and Churro Corn Pops.

Until last year, I had never eaten a Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Bar (my favorite Little Debbie snacks are the Oatmeal Cookies and now these, too). My husband saw them in the store and said, those are so good. I was skeptical. We bought them, I tried them, I shared them with family, we are all hooked.

A few months ago I tried a copycat (store brand) Nutty Buddy. It was not the same. I was surprised at the difference. So many times store brands will be really similar to name brands but not this one. When you try this recipe, make sure you try it with Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Bars. I bought a big box of them to make this recipe and did not use all of them. They are in my kitchen now and I want one!! The cupcakes are long gone. Gone within two days. Of course, I didn’t eat them all by myself. I shared them with family, but I could have eaten them all!

Ingredients Needed for Nutty Buddy Cupcakes:

For The Chocolate Cupcakes:

Boxed Devil’s Food or chocolate cake mix, plus the oil, eggs, and water that is needed for the cake mix-A boxed chocolate cake mix makes these cupcakes quick and dependable while creating a moist, tender crumb. (Eggs
Eggs help bind the batter together while adding structure and richness to the cupcakes. Oil
Vegetable oil keeps the cupcakes soft and moist for several days.Water-combines with the cake mix to create the perfect batter consistency).

Sour cream-makes these cupcakes more moist, don’t leave it out.

2 Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Bars (two to a cellophane wrapper so, one cellophane wrapper=2 bars)-This is the star ingredient! Chopped Nutty Buddy bars are folded into the batter before baking, adding crunchy wafer pieces, creamy peanut butter filling, and delicious chocolate throughout every cupcake

For The Homemade Chocolate Frosting:

Butter-Softened butter creates a rich, creamy frosting that spreads and pipes beautifully.

Powdered Sugar-Sweetens the frosting while giving it a smooth texture.

Vanilla-Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Salt-enhances the flavor.

Heavy whipping cream-Helps create a light, fluffy frosting. Add a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Cocoa powder-Provides deep chocolate flavor without making the frosting overly sweet.

2 Nutty Buddy Bars (one cellophane package)

Extra Nutty Buddy bars for decorating

How to Make Nutty Buddy Cupcakes:

Making these cupcakes is surprisingly simple, and using a cake mix means you’ll spend less time measuring ingredients and more time enjoying the finished dessert.

For The Cupcakes:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package directions (mine is 350 degrees F). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop The Nutty Buddy Bars

In a single serve blender (the Ninja Blender is my absolute favorite!), crush the two Nutty Buddy Bars. If you do not have a blender, chop the Nutty Buddy bars up into very small pieces. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the cupcakes so every bite has a little chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy wafer.

Step 3: Mix The Batter

Prepare the chocolate cake mix following the package directions using the required eggs, oil, and water and don’t forget to add the sour cream during this step. Mix just until everything is combined. Over mixing can make cupcakes less tender. (Note: If you want to make these more like a bakery style cupcakes, alone with the sour cream, you would add an extra egg, use milk instead of the water, and use melted butter instead of oil but: double the amount).

Step 4: Fold into the Batter

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the crushed or chopped Nutty Buddy pieces into the prepared batter. Stir only until evenly distributed to avoid over mixing.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. This gives the cupcakes enough room to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake

Bake according to the cake mix package directions for cupcakes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. (Mine was 350 degrees for 18 minutes. You must know your oven-some will cook faster and some slower-some run hotter. I know my basement oven bakes differently than my main kitchen oven so I just check and adjust cooking times).

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Be sure they are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Crush 2 more Nutty Buddy Bars in the blender.

With an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Then add, vanilla, salt, cocoa powder and crushed Nutty Buddy Bars together until smooth and creamy.

Add 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and the powdered sugar a little at a time-about one half cup to one cup at a time.

Continue adding powdered sugar and the heavy cream, as needed for desired consistency. Mine works out to be 2 tablespoons of cream and 4 cups of powdered sugar.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe the homemade chocolate frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Garnish with chopped Nutty Buddy pieces, chocolate curls, or a small piece of Nutty Buddy bar for an extra-special presentation. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Nutty Buddy Cupcakes:

These easy tips will help you make moist, bakery-style cupcakes every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

If you’re making the homemade chocolate frosting, let the butter come to room temperature before mixing. Soft butter creates a smoother, fluffier frosting.

Don’t Over Mix the Batter

Mix the cake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of soft and tender.

Chop/Crush the Nutty Buddy Bars into Small Pieces

Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the batter so every cupcake has the perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy wafer cookies. Crumbs work.

Cool Completely Before Frosting

Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Decorate Just Before Serving

If you’re topping the cupcakes with extra chopped Nutty Buddy pieces, add them shortly before serving so they stay crisp.

Variations:

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize!

Peanut Butter Frosting

Swap the chocolate frosting for a creamy peanut butter buttercream to make the peanut butter flavor stand out even more.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl

Pipe chocolate frosting and peanut butter frosting together for a beautiful bakery-style swirl.

Mini Cupcakes

Turn these into bite-sized treats by baking them in mini muffin pans. Just reduce the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Double Chocolate

Stir a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter for even more chocolate goodness.

Birthday Cupcakes

Top each cupcake with colorful sprinkles and a small piece of Nutty Buddy bar for a fun birthday dessert.

Extra Crunch

Sprinkle chopped Nutty Buddy bars over the frosting just before serving for added texture and a bakery-worthy finish.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature

Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Frosted cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a cake mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe, it works wonderfully in place of the boxed mix.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes. Unfrosted cupcakes freeze best for up to three months. Frost after thawing for the freshest taste.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve them.

Can I use another Little Debbie snack cake?

It is worth testing. While Nutty Buddy bars give these cupcakes their signature flavor, you could also experiment with snacks like Swiss Rolls or Zebra Cakes for a fun twist. Give it a try and let me know what works.

How do I keep cupcakes moist?

Be careful not to over bake them, and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. The added sour cream helps, too.

Can I make this recipe as a cake?

Yes! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan or two round cake pans and bake according to the cake mix package directions for the pan you choose.

Serving Suggestions:

These Easy Chocolate Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Holiday dessert tables
• Potlucks
• Family reunions
• Bake sales
• School parties
• Game day celebrations
• Chocolate and peanut butter lovers
• After-school treats
• Weekend baking with kids

Serve them with a cold glass of milk, hot chocolate, or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

Helpful Tools For This Recipe:

Blender crushes the Nutty Buddy Bars well.

Cupcake Pans These muffin pans and cupcake liners are perfect for baking! Easy to use and easy to clean.

Cookie Scoop This cookie scoop makes baking so easy!

Cooling Racks These racks make baking and cooling a breeze! Perfect for all your cooking needs.

Piping Tips and Bag This set of piping bags and tips is perfect for all your baking needs!

Electric Mixer Upgrade your kitchen with this powerful hand mixer. Perfect for all your mixing needs!

Cupcake Holder The perfect cupcake carrier to store all your frosted treats!

Nutty Buddy Bars I’m loving these nutty buddy bars! Perfect for these cupcakes

Cocoa Powder Nothing beats the taste of natural cocoa powder in your baking!

More Dessert Recipes You Will Love:

Homemade Big Hunk-better than store bought.

Best Scotcheroos-love chocolate and peanut butter?

Oreo Cookie Dip-Oreo Fluff

Churro Pretzels-an easy fun treat anytime.

Creamy Vanilla Mousse Pie with Graham Cracker Crust-a family favorite, especially my husband.

Hot Cocoa Dip-perfect for celebrating Christmas in July.

Chocolate Chip Cookies-Crumbl Copycat-better than the store bought, hot, fresh and more of them.

Enjoyed This Recipe?

If you tried these Nutty Buddy Cupcakes, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below and a star rating to let others know what you thought. Your feedback helps other readers and supports Sweeter With Sugar! Thank you for your support in helping our small business grow!

Reader’s Tip

For the prettiest cupcakes, reserve a few chopped Nutty Buddy pieces to sprinkle over the frosting just before serving. It adds a delicious crunch and lets everyone know exactly what special ingredient is hiding inside! Or press a piece of the cookie into the frosting-or do both!

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