It might sound counter intuitive but one of my favourite things ever is giving presents. It’s not to receive them in return, although if you had spoken to a three year old me you would have found me touching everything and saying “miiiine!” 
. It’s really the idea of seeing friend’s and family member’s faces with a broad smile or emitting a hearty laugh – if you’ve found the right thing.
It was Miss America’s birthday recently and he told us the usual “no presents necessary” but I had bought him some things that I thought he would like including a fabulous pack of cards with shadow puppets from the national costume museum in France. When it came to giving him a card, I fished around in my collection of cards and couldn’t find one quite right for him.
Molten goodness taken on a Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG Macro lens, focal length 165mm, ISO 100, 1/5s.
“Honey, why don’t we start giving people inappropriate cards?” I suggested to Mr NQN.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“What about, if you gave someone a card that was clearly not meant for them?” I suggested showing him the card I intended for Miss America. It read “Warm hugs for my wonderful husband.”
I started to get excited as I found other cards to give to people. I’m saving the card above for the birthday of Mr NQN’s blokey friend Hot Dog. He makes his own beer and up until society told him that he couldn’t (or his work did), he had a mullet. I’m sure he’ll love it
Or how about this card? Perfect for a young, male relative…
My personal favourite is this one-ideal to give to a work colleague or someone that you just met. There’s nothing more surprising (or creepy!) than a sudden declaration of BFF-ness for someone you hardly know!
Good surprises of course are what make the day more wonderful and can turn a mundane one into a fantastic one. I had thought about the practicalities of this recipe with a surprise inside for a while. Would it be possible to make a dark chocolate pudding with a molten peanut butter centre? That is, to add a rich surprise inside an already delicious package. Turns out, it is much easier than thought. I was thankful that this worked on the first go, the liquid peanut butter filling oozing out from the centre of the chocolate pudding. Mr NQN ate three at once.
And what did Miss America think of the card? He (thankfully) laughed heartily and thought I was onto something with the inappropriate cards. But friends say things like that don’t they?
So tell me Dear Reader, are you a fan of the chocolate peanut butter combo? And an etiquette question, do you read the card before you open the present or vice versa? And do you save wrapping paper?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Molten Pudding
And Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
Makes 6 small ramekins of pudding
- Oil spray or butter for greasing
- 80g/2.8 ozs. butter
- 90g/3 ozs. milk or dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons caster or superfine sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond meal
- 6 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 teaspoons mild flavoured vegetable oil
1. Generously grease six small ramekins and preheat oven to 170C/340F. Melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth and liquid. Stir to combine and allow to cool slightly (but do not let set hard).
2. Using a whisk (it doesn’t take long by hand), whisk the eggs and sugar together for a couple of minutes until you lift the whisk and it forms a ribbon. You can also do this in a mixer but I find that a stand mixer doesn’t do so well for just two eggs unless you have a hand held mixer. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs and then add the almond meal and stir to combine.
3. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter with the vegetable oil to make it slightly more runny. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture into each ramekin and then in the centre, add a tablespoon of the peanut butter filling. Bake for 17-19 minutes until the sides of the cake pull away from the edge.
4. Rest the puddings for about 5 minutes and then run a sharp knife around the edge. Place the serving plate face down on top and then gently upend it and the pudding will release with a gooey peanut butter centre.
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84 Comments | Add your own
I love chocolate and peanut butter together, but have never had a ‘molten’ version. So creative! What a perfect dessert…
Hubby loves Reese’s peanut butter cups so he would love this recipe (I’m a fan too, anything with chocolate is good in my books!). I read the card first as it’s polite but I’d rather open the gift first
I don’t save paper but whenever I give gifts recipients sometimes do as I like to use sheets of lovely paper and ribbon (I love tilike to wrap gifts beautifully.
So funny! I’ve never thought of giving inappropiate cards to friends…
Those molten puddings look to-die-for.
Cheers,
Rosa
Lorraine, you have outdone yourself! I need these puddings in my life!
As for your card idea, that is too funny!
I’m DEFINITELY saving this recipe and give this a try. I’ve tried probably similar recipe two to three times and not close to how I imagined. Your pictures show that I must make and eat this!! Thank you for sharing!!
Mmm yum they look delicious. I’m a big fan of the choc and peanut butter combo. Peanut butter and anything tastes good to me!
I read the card first and save wrapping paper if its a huge piece
I am a very big fan of the chocolate/peanut butter combo. I always read cards and almost always save wrapping paper! My littlest granddaughter would love the princess card!
Babe! I’ve totally been doing the inappropriate card thing for years! I love getting ridiculously frou-frou pink sparkly cards for men
And ohhhh heavens, this dessert! I need to go back and buy more of those Trader Joe’s mini peanut butter cups after seeing this…
Lol, you’re crazy! I mean that in a good way:-) Outrageously great looking puds.
I love to give presents too. In fact I consider it one of my skills in that I am really good at buying the right gift for the right person. I am a great fan of the peanut/chocolate combo. Good work Lorraine!
These peanut butter puddings look great, I love the idea of molten peanut butter. The Glam Teens often send inappropriate cards and are very funny for everyone. GG
haha thanks for starting my day with a laugh…I love the innapropriate cards!
What a great looking pudding. And that is such an ‘audible pause’ moment when these are served and the guests break them open – love the theatre of them. And as for Miss America, somehow I missed the bit where she’s a bloke. He sounds like he could be in, ‘I Will Survive’ xx
I like how the peanut butter oozes out!! very decadent!! Im picturing it with sweetened condensed milk as custard!!
I’m trying to figure out why you even have a stash of cards like that..
Yep – I save funky paper that is in good nic! I read the card first before present. I always buy a card with a soppy verse inside for anyone off a certain age as they just love them. Blank cards don’t do it for ‘mum’!
Lorraine, I actually groaned aloud when I read the name of this post. What a grand recipe (and fun, fun post). I love peanut butter and chocolate–reminds me of my mother’s Christmas fudge.
I don’t save paper, but I do use large sheets of food can labels as wrapping paper (from a local factory). I like giving tuna fish label-wrapped gifties–or dog food labels as well.
I was once completely against the choc-peanut-butter combo, but I have to say I am now a convert (I even made my boyfriend your choc & peanut butter cheesecake for his birthday!) These little puddings look so delicious, I love chocolate fondants so this seems a very tasty and logical next step
I hate giving cards with presents…I never know what to write and am convinced it’s forgotten in about 10 seconds anyway! But I do always read the card first if I get one, before plowing into the present
Mmm choc & PB is my favourite combination!! Sounds delicious. I might be blind but how much oil do you add to the PB?
Nice recipe Lorraine! I love peanut and chocolate together. I occasionally treat myself to a 2 pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter cups when I am at the Fruit and Veg shop. By the time I get to the top of the escalators they are finished. I read my cards first so I can put it with the present to remind me who I got it from, this is mainly at Christmas though as you can lose track of what came from who.
Oh yes chocolate and peanut butter were a match made in heaven.
Do I keep wrapping paper?! I sometimes have to fight my 94 year old grandma for it! Where I really shine is in the ribbon collecting. I have jars and jars of it!
Hee, hee, hee … I love the inappropriate card idea … I’m giggling on the train with tears in my eyes while I imagine the possibilities … You really crack me up
Yes I always keep nice wrapping paper as it shows the gift bearer that I appreciate their effort to buy me nice paper as well as a gift!!
I’m going to give your delicious recipe to a guy in my office who brought in some surprisingly yummy crunchy noodles in peanut butter and chocolate yesterday.
I made the strawberry handpies on the weekend and they were a big hit, thank you
oh yes, as someone who just ate a chocolate brownie for breakfast, chocolate and peanut butter sounds amazing! My mum would always sit flattening out wrapping paper embarassingly after every present opening session… although now i often do the same and I have an overflowing wrapping paper stash!
Yummmmm! You have excelled yourself again Lorraine. Oh, what a pity – I’m the only one in my household that eats peanut butter, wait – ALL “miiine”! I like giving presents too, and inappropriate card giving looks like a bit of fun. I always look at the card first, even when it is wrapped up in the present.
Yes, yes and yes!
I love the idea of inappropriate cards, how awesome!There is nothing like keeping people guessing- and just a little creeped out
This is also an amazing recipe indeed, and I do believe my littlej could beat MrNQN’s sad attempt at three puddings by scoffing half a dozen at once if given the chance
Molten babies
they are my favourite and I’m really surprised hehe there’s no flour in this recipe wow ~
I’m not really a fan of peanut butter by itself but when there’s chocolate, well that’s just a whole different story hehe
I always try to be polite, read the card first, gently and calmly (Never works) rip the gift paper and then fold it back together
Because I think it’s so rude to just rip the wrapping paper in front of the person giving you the gift.
And like you Lorraine, I like giving gifts to my friends especially giving things they have always wanted or things that is really hard to find
Oh, what a fabulous recipe, Lorraine. I just love the combination of peanut butter & chocolate – can’t wait to try this one.
I love the card idea my daughter on fathers day got a card for her dad thinking it was a fathers day card but when she opened it it read happy birthday, lol she just altered it and ave it to him anyway.
Looks great – how much vegetable oil is added to the peanut butter (not on ingredients list)
He he he. A fun post. I always read the card first, but I know people who don’t. Yummy to the recipe.
I’m imagining this for breakfast.
One of my fave unusual card stories comes from an Oprah show where a girl left at the alter or divorced (I forget) sent out bespoke cards to let family and friends know with the message inside: ‘picked the wrong guy, gave him the wrong finger’. Hehehehe… You can now buy them all over the Internet.
I LOVE chocolate and peanut butter desserts! Love the hilarious inappropriate cards, definitely read the card before ripping into the present!
looks delicious as always Lorraine. Perfect for me chocolate and peanut butter addiction atm.
And i love the idea of the inappropriate cards!
Hahahahaha Mr NQN is a genius, inappropriate cards rock! I can imagine a big strong bloke feeling quite special when called princess
Or maybe if you wanted to, bypass the cards altogether and present this gorgeous molten cake instead – one guaranteed awesome surprise
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Yum! My hubby loved the dark chocolate molten cakes I made a while back so I’m sure this would go down a treat with him!
I don’t tend to give cards as I’d rather spend another $5 on the gift. My family and friends are used to it by now.
i love your whacky ideas! cant wait to try it myself! and i save wrapping paper!
Let’s see…I am definitely a fan of the p. butter/chocolate combo, I always read the card before I open the gift, and I only save wrapping paper if it’s cute cookie inspiration:)
These molten cakes look so decadent and yummy!
Oh these look SO good! Just when I thought a molten centre couldnt get any better, you make it peanut butter
YUM!!
What a perfect recipe and love that it’s gluten free. I might do a version with macadamia nut butter and macadamia oil! I love nuts with chocolate – actually I much prefer the nuts to the chocolate.
a condolence card is ALWAYS appropriate for a 30th.
Although not “innapropriate”, I think serving this at a posh dinner party would be very amusing: people expecting chocolate and ready to give their best masterchef style review would be astounded by the peanut centre… what a lovely idea.
I hate buying cards. I once had a friend give me a home made card that she’d used by recycling old cards and invitiations. I don’t think she realised it was my (very expensive, handmade letterpress) wedding invitiation she’d given me back… After the shock, it occured to me that it really was a beautiful card with some real thought to it…
I need this pudding in my life NOW.
Be careful for what you wish, TRUE!
As perhaps an Inappropriate Card Day might be celebrated sometimes soon too!
LOVE peanut butter flavor combination, perhaps is just me!
When it comes to presents, drive people CRAZY as the wrapping paper, always open S-L-O-W-L-Y!
My beloved is a big fan of my Peanut Butter Bliss Bombs. I think I will make these on the weekend and really impress him!
Now I’m the person who spends ages finding the perfect card.
But when it comes to my close knit friends, it’s inappropriate all the way! Bar Mitzvah cards, wedding cards, sorry to see you go… all of these for just birthdays
Love it 
What a decadent pudding! Can’t wait to make it!
Lol!! Inappropriate cards, hehehehe, never thought of it. Though I am not sure how Mr NQN feels when you give someone else ‘Wonderful husband’ card…;p
That molten cake looks sexy. Seriously!!
these puddings look delicious – sort of like a reeses peanut butter cup as a pudding – and I would love to see the faces when you give the cards (I would be almost tempted to have fun and act as though I was surprised at the card and mixed it up with another one that I had given recently)
oh dear, why did i decide to read this post right before bedtime….. oh dear…. must…. resist……
ok, well. Spoonful of peanut butter and two squares of chocolate in my belly later, I’m still looking at these delicious photos!
Oh yes, Inappropriate cards all the way!
The most inappropriate card I got was when I had my first baby (girl), it said “I hope you have a boy”.
I am not going to say from which Country it was though….
There are way less ingredients in this than we would’ve thought! What a great dessert to make this fall. Gotta serve the ice cream on the side though.
A sprinkle of salt on top with really make this combo sing!
They look divine!
My friends and I always give each other inappropriate cards. On my twelfth birthday I received two of them. One said “You’re 2″ and the other one had a fairy on it! I think that it’s absolutely hilarious. One of my friends gave another one of my friends a farm animal card for her twelfth birthday that said “You’re 3″. My friends and I are a funny bunch….
Oh good lord, these look incredible! Chocolate and peanut butter are my all time favourites
Great idea! I’m all for inappropriate cards!
When I saw this email title my eyes widened in awe, because I will never, ever, ever tire of chocolate & peanut butter together, and dismay, because I *have* to make and eat these!
I love giving gifts too, and I always read the card first
You had me at Molten!!
I could not stop laughing at the “Bestest Friend” card. Thanks for making my day!!
I totally want to start giving inappropriate cards now….
You crack me up! ;o)
Husband and I are big PB and choc fans, a combo not very popular in this country so I am always on the outlook for new recipes. This will be a future dessert for sure.
Chocolate molten cake.. I like.. with peanut butter, definitely an added bonus!
These look sensational! Can’t wait to try them.
I prefer chocolate when it’s combined with peanut butter (as opposed to chocolate on its own)
I do read the card before I open the presents, yes. As for re-using wrapper paper… I may or may not have been guilty of doing that in the past!
Haha! I love that idea! And I love the look of that pudding! Always open the card before the present, and I often keep the paper
What an awesome looking recipe! I saw a salted caramel molten pud the other day, and now pb and choc?? I think the universe is telling me I need to make one of these soon haha x
As soon as I saw this , my thoughts turned to second daughter Gabriella who loves this combination! She might just give this a go on the weekend.
Yes, I always read the card first, especially from a few of my select friends that always have a way with writing lovely sayings and compliments in cards. It’s a gift really so one should take the time to appreciate their efforts. I don’t normally save gift
wrap but once a friend had returned from China with a gift for me and the paper was more material like than paper with small peach blossoms, so I did keep it because of it’s uniqueness.
Hi Marissa-I promise Marissa, it’s a goody!
Hi Stefanie -Ooh me too! I can’t be alone with a bag of them
Haha you are too funny! Yes wrapping nicely is very important to me too 
Hi Rosa-Hehe thanks Rosa!
Maybe next time? 
Hi Laura-Thanks so much Laura, you are too kind! Hehe thank you!
Hi Nami-Cool! I loved your cheesecake today!
I promise you, this is very easy 
Hi katie-Thank you!
Yes that’s true, no use saving it if it’s just a little piece! 
Hi RMW-Me too
Aww I bet she’s much more suited to it than Hot Dog! 
Hi Pady Lady-How did I not know that?
Oh yes and have one for me too please! 
HI Wizzy -Hehe why thank you Wizzy darling
HI Theresa -Mine too!
At least I hope I am 
Thank you!
Hi Glamorous Glutton-Thank you! Hehe it’s so much mroe fun isn’t it?
Hi Angela-Hehe why you’re very welcome lovely!
Hi Charlie-Thank you! I know, I loved the look of surprise on their faces
Oh yes it’s a long story but Miss A is a he 
And yes he would be great in I Will Survive! xxx
Hi yojo-Thanks! Me too, it just had to ooze for me
Ooh nice idea!
Hi celia-hehe why doesn’t everyone?
Hi Valentina-Some paper is very well isn’t it!
Aww yes that’s true, some people love them! 
Hi Victoria-Hehe thanks!!
Mmm that sounds like a great fudge!! Oh what a cool idea! I love it 
Hi Bec-Oh phew! I was going to say
YAY for that, did he like it? 
Yes if you’re a chocolate fondant fan this is for you
Hi Rhiannon-YAY!!
Ooops sorry, I’ve added it in-thanks for reminding me although it isn’t strictly necessary as you will get
the PB oozing
Hi Viktoria-Thank you!
A 2 pack is a goo idea, those bags are way too dangerous 
Yes sometimes you need to write them down like around wedding time!
Hi Claire-Indeedy!
Hehe that is so funny! Oh yes nice ribbon always gets saved 
Hi ladybugfunk-Why thank you darlin’!
Yes nice or clever paper is a great idea, after all it’s the first thing they see isn’t it! 
Ooh cool, I hope he likes it! YAY I’m glad the hand pies were a hit. How did you find the pastry? Was it easy to work with? 
Hi Claire-Hehe good for you!
My mum used to do thatt too! 
Hi Merilyn-Thank you Merilyn!
Oh no, really? Hehe now that’s the way to look at it! 
It’s fun isn’t it!! 
Hi Rebecca-Hehe exactly! We’re planning to give one strange family member a “get well soon” card. I’m guessing you might have some you might want to give that to?
Hehe and they’re gf too! 
Hi Daisy-Yes it’s gluten free which is great!
Hehe exactly, the sum of the parts is greater no? 
Hehe you are too cute 
Yes I love seeing people happy!
Hi Amanda-Thanks Amanda! I hope you like it!
Hi Jenny-Hehe how funny!
Yes you may as well!
Hi Jess-Oops sorry Jess, I added it in!!
Hi Lizzy-Thank you! Hehe really? I thought we were supposed to read the car first
Hi Renata -I like the way you think Renata!
Oh I remember that one, best line ever isn’t it? So fitting!!! 
Hi Chris-Me too!
Hehe thanks so much!! 
Hi Leah-Thanks Leah! Yep I’ve got one at the moment and the pb jar is almost empty :S Hehe thank you!
Hi Uru-Hehe thanks although Mr NQN didn’t quite think it up (but he is a genius
). Hehe why not! 
Hi Jodie-Oh fantastic! I hope you both like them!
Oh that’s a good way to look at it! They are expensive nowadays aren’t they!
Hi milkteaxx-Hehe thank you very much!
Hi Sue-Ahh of course! You have such great ideas too! Thank you!
Hi Nic-Hehe yep and it’s easier to make than a fondant!
Hi Margaret -Thanks Margaret!
Ooh nice idea with the macadamia nut butter! 
Hehe I do sometimes too 
Hi kelley-LOL I’m guessing you always give a funny card
Hi Sarah-true true!
Oh how interesting! I’m trying to picture what that looks like!! 
Did she stick them all together? Wow!
Hi Jen-Hehe I promise, it’s very simple!
Hi Joanne-Hehe! I hope someone gives me an inappropriate card one day
Maybe for Christmas I’ll get an Easter card? 
Hehe I think slowly is the key to keep it intact!
Hi Di-Oooh that sounds great. What are they made of?
Cool! I hope he likes it!! 
Hi Shellie-Aww that’s sweet! Hehe oh that’s great!!
HI Monica-THanks! I hope you like it! Please let us know what you think!
Hi Minnie-Hehe thank you!
Hehe he doesn’t mind, he thought it was funny (I got his “approval” 
). Thank you so much!
Hi Johanna-Thanks Johanna!
Yes exactly!! Haha now I like your twist on it! 
Hi jenbeans-Sorry girl!
but I bet it helps you sleep? I hope so 
Yay for inappropriate cards!!
Hi Alessandra -Haha oh really!
Oh why was that? Don’t tell me Australia? 
Hi The Duo Dishes-Yes it’s really quite easy I promise!
Hehe ice cream of course right? 
Hi Elly-Thanks Elly!
Omg that is too funny! I’m so glad I’m not the only one that finds them funny 
You guys sound like fun!
Hi thelittleloaf-Thanks so much! It’s a killer combo I agree!
Hi Christie-Did you get any this past weekend?
Hi Chanel- Me neither-ever!
Oh I hope that you like them!! 
Me too! 
Hi Erin-Hehe thanks!
Hi Melinda-Hehe why thank you!
YOu are too kind!! I think we all should, life’s too short to be sensible 
Hi Fiona-Thanks so much!
I know, isn’t that funny? Fantastic! I hope you guys like it! 
Hi Baby Sumo-Yep bonuses and surprises are always good in life!
Hi Phunk-Thanks Phunk!
Hi Libby-Yep I know what you mean exactly!
Hehe I bet we all have!
Hi Ali-Thank you!
Yes I think it looks like everyone opens the card first-we are such a good mannered bunch! 
Hi Christine-Thanks so much!
Oooh it’s fate isn’t it! 
x
Hi Matilda-Oh wonderful! Will you let me know what you both think?
Yes I am often so touched by what people write 
Wow
that sounds amazing, I’d save that too!
Hehehe love the inappropriate card idea, fun, very fun. Peanut butter and chocolate is always a winning combo, great puds.
I’m definitely a fan of the chocolate peanut butter combo. This looks delightful! Speaking of inappropriate cards, Kurt always gives me cards with cute, little puppies or kitties wearing princess crowns. So not my thing, but funny!
OMG – want!!! Love peanut butter and chocolate. I open the pressie first.
You’re a girl after my own heart!
Love this so much. I adore choc & PB together but possibly mores separate (if that makes sense). I always read cards first! I love cards and my friends always give great ones, which is lovely. & I always always save wrapping paper to re-use
Heidi xo
My vote is definitely for this molten deliciousness instead of pressies. Truly
This is a dessert I would love but Dave does not eat peanut butter! How about a few Valentines day cards thrown into the mix
These molten chocolate peanut butter puddings look perfect!Moist exterior and flowy PB interior! I find it tricky to get the timing right.. I gave upIt’s like you nv really know until you cut it through the centre. any tips?
Hi Jo! The thing about these is that the peanut butter can never cook through so it always remains molten. So it’s a great pudding centre!
Woman, I totally just started a health kick a few days ago! What the hell?! This looks amazing, chocolate and peanut butter have to be my two favourite things… I’ve literally just copied the recipe down onto a note pad and am going to be purchasing a jar of peanut butter and a block of chocolate on my way home from work tomorrow!!
One of my favourites is to buy an over the top numbered kiddy birthday card and draw the correct number in front of it. It can quickly make a ‘Bob the Builder says Happy 6th Birthday!’ card a special treasure for an unsuspecting teenage boy turning 16.
The BEST one, however was when my brother Grant received a flowery birthday card saying “Happy Birthday Gran” – with a hand written ‘t’ at the end. Hysterical!
I absolutely love the chocolate pb combination and I always read the card before I open the present.
BWA HA! I love the high-creepy factor of the ‘BFF’ card. I need to find an excuse to do that!!!
Awesome pudding as well, darling. What a yum-tastic dessert!
molten chocolate cakes are great, but these blow those right out of the water!
ja,ja,ja…my mother used to save the paper wrapper, so when I when I was a little girl I had to open present very carefully to not damage the paper. Now, I just pull out it…!!!
Thanks for this recipe, Lorraine. This is absolutely the best dessert ever since it got 2 of my all time favourite items in it.
I might sprinkle some cheese on top so make it 3 of my fav items there.
Yum.. Yum.. Yummooo..
omg drools*! Peanut butter <3
I love chocolate and PB!! I am definitely making this for myself
I love the idea of giving inappropriate cards – hilarious! I tend to read cards first. I used to save the paper but now I just recycle them.
I love this idea! The peanut butter and the inappropriate cards! I just saw a recipe for molten cake with caramel inside. I think I like the pb idea better! And yes, I sometimes save wrapping paper. I’m actually against using wrapping paper because it’s so wasteful, so saving it does come in handy sometimes!
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