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- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cacao) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - A pinch of flaky sea salt - Peanut Butter: You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture. - Powdered Sugar: This sugar helps sweeten and thicken the filling. You may replace it with a sugar substitute if needed. - Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate for a better taste. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor. - Coconut Oil: This helps make the chocolate smooth. You can skip it, but the texture will change. - Flaky Sea Salt: A little pinch on top boosts flavor and looks great. - Use dry measuring cups for solids like peanut butter and sugar. - Level off the measuring cup with a knife for exact amounts. - For sticky ingredients, lightly grease the cup with oil. - Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for chocolate chips. - Always double-check your ingredients before starting to ensure nothing is missing. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Finally, toss in a pinch of flaky sea salt. Stir all these together until smooth. This mixture should be thick and creamy. Set it aside for now. It will firm up as you melt the chocolate. Now, take a microwave-safe bowl. In it, combine 1 1/2 cups of dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt evenly. Microwave this mix in 30-second bursts. After each burst, take it out and stir. Repeat this until the chocolate is shiny and smooth. Be careful not to overheat; it should not be burnt or lumpy. Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. This helps to easily remove the cups later. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each liner. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom. Make sure the chocolate layer is thick enough to hold the filling. This will create a solid base for your peanut butter cups. Next, take the peanut butter filling. Scoop about 1 tablespoon and place it on top of the chocolate layer in each liner. Press it down gently to flatten it. This helps it stick to the chocolate below. Now, pour another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter. Make sure it covers the filling completely. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a neat look. Place the muffin tin into the refrigerator. Let the cups chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chocolate to harden well. Once they are set, take them out carefully. Peel off the paper liners. Now, you can serve your homemade peanut butter cups. They are perfect as a sweet treat or a fun dessert! When melting chocolate, use a microwave-safe bowl. Mix dark chocolate chips with coconut oil. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir well between heats. This helps prevent burning. The chocolate should be smooth and shiny. If it looks grainy, it’s overheated. You can fix it by adding a bit more coconut oil and stirring until smooth. For the peanut butter filling, mix creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Stir until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes. This makes it firmer and easier to work with. When layering, scoop a tablespoon of filling. Press it down gently in the chocolate shell. Make sure it’s flat and sticks to the chocolate. Before chilling, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This adds flavor and looks great. Once set, remove the cups from liners carefully. Arrange them on a nice plate. For a fun touch, use colorful liners. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a fancy look. This makes your homemade peanut butter cups stand out! Pro Tips Quality Chocolate Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor. The better the chocolate, the more decadent your peanut butter cups will taste. Chill Between Layers: For better layering, chill the chocolate shell before adding the peanut butter filling. This helps prevent the layers from mixing and keeps the cups looking neat. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the peanut butter mixture for an extra flavor kick! Storage Tips: Store your peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and maintain the perfect texture. {{image_4}} You can make vegan peanut butter cups easily. Replace the dark chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips. Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar. The creamy peanut butter stays the same. This way, you keep the rich taste without any animal products. To make low-sugar or sugar-free peanut butter cups, swap the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute. Erythritol or stevia work well. These options let you enjoy the treat while keeping sugar low. Just check the substitute's sweetness level. Adjust the amount you use for the best flavor. You can add fun flavors to your peanut butter cups. Try mixing in a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty taste. Crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts add crunch and flavor. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or chili powder for a spicy twist. Get creative with your favorite flavors! To keep your homemade peanut butter cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. A simple plastic or glass container works well. If you leave them in the freezer, they can last longer. These treats stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Use a shallow container with a lid for the fridge. This keeps the cups from getting squished. For the freezer, a freezer-safe bag or a hard container with a tight seal works best. You can also place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a fun texture. Just keep in mind that the filling may be less smooth. If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your treats, this is a great option. Dark chocolate is best for peanut butter cups. I recommend using chocolate that is at least 70% cacao. This gives a rich flavor that pairs well with the sweet peanut butter. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. If your chocolate is grainy, it may have overheated. To fix it, add a small amount of coconut oil. Stir it in gently until the chocolate becomes smooth again. Remember, heating chocolate in short bursts helps prevent this problem. Yes, you can make these cups a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, they stay fresh and ready to enjoy when you want a sweet treat. For a party, arrange the peanut butter cups on a nice platter. You can sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for extra flair. These treats are perfect for sharing! You can also offer them in individual cupcake liners for a fun touch. In this post, we covered how to make peanut butter cups from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, tips for perfecting your technique, and fun variations to try. Whether you're vegan, low-sugar, or looking for new flavors, there’s something for everyone. Remember, storing them right keeps your treats fresh longer. Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family. Making peanut butter cups is not just fun; it’s a tasty way to impress! Stay creative and keep experimenting with your own ideas in the kitchen.

Decadent Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Delicious homemade peanut butter cups with a rich chocolate shell.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (preferably 70% cacao for richer flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (helps smooth the chocolate)
  • a pinch flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to firm slightly as you prepare the chocolate.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; it should be shiny and fluid.
  • Create the Chocolate Shells: Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Use the back of a spoon to evenly spread the chocolate across the bottom, ensuring a good layer to create a solid base.
  • Add the Peanut Butter Filling: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and place it on top of the chocolate layer in each liner. Gently press down on the mixture to flatten it slightly, ensuring it adheres to the chocolate below.
  • Top with More Chocolate: Pour an additional tablespoon of the melted chocolate over each peanut butter layer, ensuring that it fully covers and seals the filling. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a neat finish.
  • Chill: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden completely and the cups to set.
  • Serve: Once fully chilled, carefully remove the homemade peanut butter cups from the muffin tin and peel off the paper liners. Serve them as a delightful treat or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy your decadent homemade peanut butter cups!

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup before chilling for added flavor and visual appeal.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, peanut butter