Description

This Homemade Peanut Butter Cups recipe combines rich melted chocolate with a creamy peanut butter filling for a perfect sweet and salty treat. These easy-to-make cups are coated in smooth chocolate, layered with a sweetened peanut butter center, and garnished for a delightful crunch and flavor. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or gifting, these peanut butter cups are simple to prepare and require no baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Layer

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate for a less sweet version)
2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)

Peanut Butter Filling

¾ cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for texture)
¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Garnishes (optional)

Sea salt flakes (for a sweet-salty contrast)
Chopped nuts (for crunch)
Drizzled white or dark chocolate (for a decorative touch)

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Instructions

Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt chocolate using a double boiler for a gentle heat method.
Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Line Muffin Tin: Place cupcake liners into a muffin tin to prepare for layering the peanut butter cups.
Create Chocolate Base: Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner, tilting the liners slightly to coat the sides with chocolate for better structure and coverage.
Set Chocolate Base: Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate base to firm up.
Add Peanut Butter Layer: Spoon ½ teaspoon of the prepared peanut butter filling on top of the now-set chocolate base in each liner.
Top with Chocolate: Cover the peanut butter layer with another teaspoon of melted chocolate, ensuring the peanut butter is fully sealed inside.
Smooth Tops: Use a spoon to smooth out the top layer of chocolate, creating an even surface.
Chill to Set: Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for 20-30 minutes to allow them to firm completely.
Garnish and Serve: Once set, optionally sprinkle sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, or drizzle with additional white or dark chocolate for decoration. Remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy.

Notes

Use dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a less sweet version.
The coconut oil helps achieve a smoother melt and a glossy finish but can be omitted.
Adjust powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling to taste for preferred sweetness.
Freeze the chocolate base thoroughly to prevent the peanut butter from mixing when layering.
Store peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For a fun texture contrast, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.