These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are little treats that everyone loves! They have a sweet and creamy peanut butter center, all wrapped up in rich, smooth chocolate.
Making them at home is super fun. I love sneaking a few right from the fridge when I’m feeling snacky. You know you want to join me for that! 😋
What’s great is how easy they are to whip up. Just melt chocolate, mix with peanut butter, pour, and chill. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a smooth peanut butter for a velvety filling. You can opt for natural peanut butter, but the texture might be slightly different. If you’re nut-free, try sun butter or soy nut butter as great alternatives!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil can replace it, but it may change the taste slightly.
Powdered and Brown Sugar: These give sweetness and help with texture. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Adjust the amount to taste.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: I love using chocolate chips for convenience, but you can use any good-quality chocolate bar. For a darker flavor, go with dark chocolate or even bitter-sweet chocolate. Milk chocolate works if you prefer sweeter treats!
Coconut Oil: This ingredient makes the chocolate smoother. It’s optional, but I recommend it if you want that nice finish. If you don’t have it, any neutral cooking oil will do.
How Do You Get the Chocolate to Set Smoothly?
Getting that perfect chocolate layer is key! Here’s how to ensure your chocolate layers set beautifully:
- Use a microwave or double boiler to melt chocolate gently. Stir often to prevent overheating and ensure it’s smooth.
- Let each chocolate layer cool slightly before adding the peanut butter, to prevent them from mixing.
- When topping the peanut butter with chocolate, use a small spoon to avoid disturbing the bottom layer. Spread gently!
- Chill the cups until fully set, making it easier to remove them from the liners. A quick 30 minutes in the fridge or freezer works wonders!
With these tips, you can enjoy perfectly layered chocolate peanut butter cups every time!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Once you melt the chocolate and mix the peanut butter filling, it’s just a matter of layering and letting it set. Enjoy homemade treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners. You will need about 12 to 15 cups, depending on how big you want your peanut butter cups. This makes for easy removal later!
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Set this delicious mixture aside for now.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
Take your chocolate chips and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. If you’re using coconut oil, add it in now too. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted and silky. If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
4. Create the Chocolate Base:
Pour about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each paper liner. Use a spoon to gently spread it out, making sure to cover the base completely.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Next, take about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and place it on top of the chocolate layer. Gently flatten it down, but make sure to leave a little space at the edges for the top chocolate layer to cover it.
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Now it’s time for the final touch! Pour another 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring it covers it entirely. This will create that perfect chocolate shell!
7. Add a Salty Finish:
For an extra burst of flavor, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cup. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate and peanut butter.
8. Chill to Set:
Pop the muffin tin in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the chocolate to set perfectly and become deliciously firm.
9. Remove and Store:
Once the cups have set, carefully remove them from the paper liners. Store the peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
10. Enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade chocolate peanut butter cups chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or satisfying your sweet tooth!
This recipe results in rich and creamy peanut butter cups that are perfectly sweet and salty, just like the ones you see in the image. Treat yourself and enjoy each delicious bite!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Yes! Natural peanut butter will work, but it may give a slightly different texture. Just make sure to stir it well to combine the oils before mixing with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate can give a richer flavor and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the peanut butter filling. Just adjust the quantity to taste if you prefer it less sweet!
What Should I Do If My Chocolate Is Too Thick?
If your melted chocolate seems thick, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the chocolate while melting. This will help it become smoother and easier to spread over your cups.
