If you have a soft spot for the classic combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then you are going to adore this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe. It takes the nostalgic candy experience we all love and elevates it with homemade goodness that you can tailor just to your taste. Imagine biting into smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate enrobing a luscious, slightly sweet peanut butter center that you made yourself. Trust me, once you try this recipe, store-bought cups will feel a bit plain by comparison. Let’s dive into crafting these delightful treats that are sure to impress, whether you’re making them for a party, gift, or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and approachable, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your homemade peanut butter cups. From silky chocolate to creamy peanut butter and a hint of vanilla, every element enhances the final result in a delicious way.
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided): Using quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy finish and rich flavor.
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional): Adds shine and helps the chocolate set with a nice snap.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Shelf-stable peanut butter is best for a firm, smooth filling that’s easy to shape.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling perfectly, balancing saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant depth to the peanut butter center.
- ¼ teaspoon table salt: Enhances all the flavors and tames the sweetness just right.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining a 6-cup muffin tin with silicone or paper liners, or opt for 12-cup mini cupcake liners if you want smaller treats. These liners make it super easy to pop out your peanut butter cups once they’re set—plus cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Assemble Chocolate Base
Place 1 cup of chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until mostly melted with a few chunks left. Then stir continuously off heat until those chunks melt fully. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to give the chocolate a silky, glossy texture that’s easy to spread and sets with a lovely sheen.
Step 3: Form Chocolate Base
Spoon about ½ tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each lined muffin cup and use the back of your spoon to spread it thin and even. Pop the pan into the fridge or freezer for about 5 minutes to firm up this crucial base layer that will hold your peanut butter filling perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the chocolate is chilling, blend together your peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt using a handheld mixer on medium speed. Mix until smooth and creamy. If you are using natural peanut butter, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar so that the filling is thick and easy to shape—kind of like soft cookie dough.
Step 5: Shape Peanut Butter Discs
Take the muffin tin out of the fridge or freezer and portion about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture for each cup. Roll and flatten each portion into a small disc that’s slightly smaller than the chocolate base beneath it. Carefully place these discs atop the hardened chocolate layer—this is the creamy center that makes these treats irresistible.
Step 6: Melt Remaining Chocolate
In a clean bowl, microwave the remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips following the same melting method as before. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of coconut oil once melted to keep the chocolate smooth and glossy for the final coating.
Step 7: Cover Peanut Butter
Gently spoon about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing the surface with the back of your spoon and allowing the chocolate to drip down the sides, fully encasing that peanut buttery goodness. This seals in the texture and flavor beautifully.
Step 8: Harden Peanut Butter Cups
Return your muffin tin to the refrigerator and chill for about an hour, or place it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Once firm and set, your homemade chocolate peanut butter cups are ready for the best part—eating!
Step 9: Store and Serve
After the cups have set, gently remove them from the liners and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 5 days and are best enjoyed after they’ve warmed slightly at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to fully develop their creamy texture.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a tiny drizzle of white chocolate on top can take these peanut butter cups to the next level. These simple touches not only look beautiful but also enhance the flavor contrast between sweet and salty, silky and crunchy.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter cups are gorgeous on their own but make an amazing dessert pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh, lightly sweetened berries. The freshness balances the richness of the cups perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, arrange your homemade chocolate peanut butter cups in mini cupcake liners inside a pretty box or jar with a festive ribbon. You can also layer them in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and chopped nuts for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator where they keep brilliantly for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled retains their perfect texture and prevents melting.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats ahead of time or save extras for later, freezing works wonderfully. Wrap each peanut butter cup individually in parchment or wax paper, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these, as they’re best served slightly cool or at room temperature. If they’ve been frozen, just allow about 15 to 20 minutes to come back to the perfect consistency before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and less firm, so add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to your filling to thicken it and make it easier to shape into discs.
Do I have to use coconut oil when melting the chocolate?
Coconut oil is optional but highly recommended because it gives the chocolate a shiny finish and helps it set with a nice snap. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but the texture might be a little different.
What kind of chocolate is best for peanut butter cups?
Quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate work best. Choose one you enjoy eating on its own since the flavor shines through in this simple recipe.
Can I make these peanut butter cups vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate and make sure your peanut butter and powdered sugar are vegan-friendly. You can substitute vanilla extract with maple syrup if desired.
How long do homemade chocolate peanut butter cups last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe enough. It’s straightforward, fun to make, and delivers such a rewarding, delicious treat every time. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite candy or impressing friends with a homemade gift, these peanut butter cups hit all the right notes. Grab your ingredients and dive in—you’re just a few easy steps away from your new favorite sweet indulgence!
Print
Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining creamy peanut butter filling with a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cups are made with simple ingredients and require no baking, making them a quick and delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided; approximately 2½ cups)
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional)
Peanut Butter Filling
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (shelf-stable is best)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 6-cup muffin tin with silicone or paper liners, or use a 12-cup mini cupcake liners if you prefer smaller peanut butter cups.
- Assemble Chocolate Base: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until mostly melted but still slightly chunky. Stir continuously to fully melt using residual heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil until glossy.
- Form Chocolate Base: Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin cup and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes to harden the base.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: Combine ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed to blend until smooth and firm like soft cookie dough. Add extra powdered sugar if using natural peanut butter to thicken.
- Shape Peanut Butter Discs: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge. Shape about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter mixture into small discs slightly smaller than the chocolate base and place on top of each hardened chocolate layer.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Put remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips in a clean heat-safe bowl and microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring to mostly melt with a few chunks remaining. Stir fully to melt with residual heat. Add remaining 2 teaspoons coconut oil and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cover Peanut Butter: Pour about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing with the back of a spoon and allowing excess chocolate to drip down sides to encase the filling.
- Harden Peanut Butter Cups: Return the tray to the fridge to harden for about an hour, or place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes for faster setting.
- Store and Serve: Once hardened, remove peanut butter cups from the tin and liners if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- For natural peanut butter, add 1-2 tablespoons more powdered sugar to get a firmer filling.
- If desired, use silicone liners for easier removal of peanut butter cups.
- Allow the cups to sit at room temperature before eating to soften the chocolate slightly and enhance flavor.
- Store peanut butter cups refrigerated to keep shape, but bring to room temperature before serving.
