If you have a soft spot for the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe. It’s a delightful way to make your own version of those irresistible candy cups right at home, using simple ingredients to create layers of smooth, rich chocolate and creamy, slightly sweetened peanut butter that melt perfectly in your mouth. Whether you’re spoiling yourself or impressing guests, these cups are an absolute crowd-pleaser that feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness, ensuring your Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe turns out irresistibly heavenly.
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided): Use quality chocolate for smooth melting and rich flavor that coat the peanut butter perfectly.
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional): Helps give the chocolate a glossy shine and smooth texture when melted.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Shelf-stable peanut butter works best for ideal consistency and flavor.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling just right.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter’s flavor making it more complex and luscious.
- ¼ teaspoon table salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the nutty richness.
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. If you prefer smaller treats, feel free to use 12-cup mini liners instead. This setup will hold your cups perfectly without the mess and make it easier to pop them out once set.
Step 2: Assemble the Chocolate Base
Place 1 cup of the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between sessions until mostly melted but with a few chunks left. Then stir continuously off the heat to melt fully, and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to get that beautiful shine and smooth texture. This will be the delicious base that cradles your peanut butter filling.
Step 3: Form the Chocolate Base
Spoon about half a tablespoon of this melted chocolate into each lined muffin cup. Use the back of your spoon to carefully spread it into a thin, even layer across the bottom. Pop the tray into the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up and create a solid foundation.
Step 4: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling
While the chocolate hardens, mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl using a handheld mixer on medium speed. Blend until smooth and thick enough to hold its shape, resembling a soft cookie dough. If you’re using natural peanut butter, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar for the right consistency. This creamy filling is what makes the cups so dreamy!
Step 5: Shape Peanut Butter Discs
Once the chocolate bases are firm, take the muffin tin out of the fridge or freezer. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture per cup and shape it into small discs slightly smaller than the chocolate layer beneath. Place these discs gently on top, creating a delicious peanut butter center ready to be enveloped in more chocolate.
Step 6: Melt Remaining Chocolate
Now melt the remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips using the same microwave technique—30-second bursts with stirring until mostly melted, then stirring off heat until fully smooth. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to make the chocolate glossy and easier to work with.
Step 7: Cover Peanut Butter
Drizzle or spoon about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing it across the top and letting the chocolate drip down the edges to completely encase the filling. This final layer seals all that peanut buttery goodness inside a rich chocolate shell.
Step 8: Harden Peanut Butter Cups
Return your tray to the fridge to let the cups set for about an hour. If you’re pressed for time, pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Once hardened, these little beauties are ready to be savored or stored for later enjoyment.
Step 9: Store and Serve
Remove the peanut butter cups carefully from the muffin tin and liners if preferred, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For the best texture and flavor, let them sit out at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before indulging.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts on top before the final chocolate layer sets to add a delightful contrast and extra crunch. You can also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold dust for an elegant touch if you’re serving these at a party.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter cups pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a rich cup of coffee or espresso. For something special, serve alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to highlight the chocolate and peanut butter flavor even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing each peanut butter cup on mini cupcake liners or small decorative plates for gifting or parties. You can also assemble a dessert board with mixed nuts, fruits, and these cups as a star—guaranteed to impress family and friends alike with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your homemade chocolate peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This keeps them fresh while preserving their creamy texture and rich chocolate shell. They’re perfect for preparing ahead to satisfy your sweet cravings later.
Freezing
You can freeze these cups for up to a month. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. When you want a treat, thaw them in the fridge overnight to maintain their perfect shape and flavor.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary, but if you prefer them softer, leave the cups at room temperature for 10 minutes or so before eating. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can cause the chocolate to seize or the peanut butter to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to thicken the filling since natural peanut butter is usually runnier. This adjustment will help you achieve that perfect cookie dough-like consistency.
Is coconut oil necessary in this recipe?
Coconut oil is optional but highly recommended as it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives the finished cups a shiny, professional look and a pleasant snap when bitten into.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate from a good-quality bar works just as well and sometimes melts more evenly. Just be sure to use roughly the same weight as the chips called for in the recipe.
How long do these homemade cups keep?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, your peanut butter cups will stay fresh for about five days. They are best enjoyed within that timeframe to savor their freshest flavor and texture.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure your peanut butter and powdered sugar don’t contain any added dairy. The coconut oil helps maintain an excellent texture that’s perfect for vegan adaptations.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is not only fun but incredibly rewarding, and it will quickly become a go-to treat in your kitchen. The combination of silky chocolate with luscious peanut butter is simply unbeatable, striking the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. Trust me, once you try making these yourself, you’ll never want store-bought again. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and enjoy the magic of homemade deliciousness!
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 delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a classic, homemade treat. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a great alternative to store-bought versions and can be prepared in just about an hour.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided; approximately 2½ cups or chopped chocolate)
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional)
Peanut Butter Filling
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (shelf-stable preferred)
- 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. Alternatively, use 12-cup mini cupcake liners for smaller peanut butter cups to ease removal and portion control.
- Assemble Chocolate Base: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until mostly melted. Stir continuously off heat until fully melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil until glossy and smooth.
- Form Chocolate Base: Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin cup and spread into a thin, even layer with the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes to set.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: Mix ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl using a handheld mixer at medium speed until smooth. For natural peanut butter, add 1-2 tablespoons more powdered sugar to achieve a firm, dough-like consistency.
- Shape Peanut Butter Discs: Remove the muffin tray from the fridge. Shape about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture per cup into small discs slightly smaller than the chocolate base. Place these discs on top of the hardened chocolate layers.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Put the remaining 1½ cups chocolate chips in a clean heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until mostly melted, then stir off heat until fully melted. Add remaining 2 teaspoons coconut oil and mix until smooth and glossy.
- Cover Peanut Butter: Pour about 2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing with the back of a spoon and allowing excess chocolate to drip down the sides. Make sure the peanut butter is fully encased.
- Harden Peanut Butter Cups: Place the tray back in the refrigerator for about an hour to set completely, or use the freezer for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Store and Serve: Once hardened, carefully remove the peanut butter cups from the liners. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor, allow cups to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer peanut butter filling using natural peanut butter, add extra powdered sugar as indicated.
- Coconut oil is optional but helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish on the chocolate.
- Using silicone liners makes removal easier and reduces the chance of breaking the cups.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture.
- Allowing the cups to come to room temperature before eating enhances the flavor and mouthfeel.
