Peanut Butter and Chocolate Lava Mug Cakes

With their dramatic molten chocolate core, lava cakes are a fun throwback to the steakhouses of the past. Our foolproof recipe adds a touch of peanut butter, and utilizes the microwave to make this a decadent, yet easy, dessert for your next date night at home.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup milk, any kind

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 squares bittersweet chocolate, or 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Whipped cream

Whisk flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, sugar and salt in a small mixing bowl until combined. Add milk, oil and vanilla and whisk until batter is smooth.

Divide batter between two 14-ounce Le Creuset Mugs. Place mugs in microwave and cook cakes for 30 to 45 seconds. Carefully remove mugs from the microwave with a pot holder. Press half the chocolate squares (or chips) and peanut butter into the center of each cake.

Place mugs back in the microwave and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds. Cakes will rise and begin to pull away from the edges of mugs when done. Be sure to keep an eye on the cakes at this stage, and stop the microwave if they look like they will overflow.

Let cool in the microwave for 2 minutes. Carefully remove mugs and serve warm topped with whipped cream.