If you have a soft spot for the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe. Imagine rich, silky chocolate wrapped around a luscious, creamy peanut butter center that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s a homemade treat that’s not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolatier or just trying your hand at something sweet and indulgent, this recipe will become your new go-to for satisfying your dessert cravings with that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great results with this Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe starts with a handful of simple ingredients. Each plays a key role in achieving the ideal taste and texture — from the smoothness of the peanut butter to the glossy finish of the chocolate coating.
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided): Use quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional): Helps give the chocolate a silky sheen and smooth texture once melted.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Shelf-stable peanut butter works best to keep the filling firm but creamy.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and thickens the peanut butter filling to the perfect consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla elevates the flavor and adds warmth to the filling.
- ¼ teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 6-cup muffin tin with either silicone or paper liners. If you want smaller cups, 12-cup mini liners work perfectly. This makes removal easy and keeps your cups looking neat and uniform.
Step 2: Melt the First Portion of Chocolate
Place 1 cup of your chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until mostly melted but still with a few chunks. Stir those chunks away with residual heat until fully smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to add a beautiful gloss and smooth texture to the chocolate.
Step 3: Form the Chocolate Base Layer
Spoon about half a tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each lined muffin cup. Spread it evenly with the back of your spoon to make a thin base. Pop the tray in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes so this base layer solidifies nicely before adding the filling.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While the chocolate chills, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Use a handheld mixer on medium speed to whip the filling until smooth and thick, close to the texture of soft cookie dough. If you’re using natural peanut butter, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to get that firmer consistency that holds up well.
Step 5: Shape Peanut Butter Discs
Take the muffin tin out of the fridge or freezer and use about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter mixture for each cup. Shape them into small discs just smaller than your chocolate base layer and set each one on top, gently pressing down to form an even layer.
Step 6: Melt the Remaining Chocolate
In a new clean bowl, melt the remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips the same way — microwaving in intervals and stirring until glossy and smooth. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and mix well to give that gorgeous sheen and smooth texture.
Step 7: Cover the Peanut Butter Layer
Drizzle about 2 teaspoons of chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smoothing with the back of your spoon. Let the chocolate drip down the sides to fully encase the filling, creating that iconic peanut butter cup look and ensuring no bites without chocolate.
Step 8: Harden Your Peanut Butter Cups
Return the tray to the fridge and let the peanut butter cups set for about an hour, or place in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes if you need them ready faster. Once hardened, your homemade treats are ready to enjoy or store.
Step 9: Store and Serve
After your Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe are fully set, pop them out of the liners and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best melt-in-your-mouth experience, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before digging in.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pouring the final chocolate layer for a delightful contrast. You can also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed peanuts to add texture and an extra peanut punch.
Side Dishes
Serve these chocolate peanut butter cups alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices for a balanced indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these cups in small gift boxes with colorful tissue paper as thoughtful homemade gifts. You might also try stacking them in mini cupcake stands for parties, creating a fun and elegant dessert display that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness. They’ll stay perfect for up to 5 days, making them a convenient treat whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze these peanut butter cups for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture.
Reheating
While these cups are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, briefly microwave a single cup for 5-7 seconds. Be careful not to overheat to avoid melting your chocolate completely.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter is usually more oily and less firm, so add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of powdered sugar to thicken the filling and ensure it holds its shape well.
Is coconut oil necessary in the chocolate?
Using coconut oil helps make the chocolate smoother and shinier once it sets, giving a professional finish. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you want that glossy look and silky melt.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently to control the temperature. Avoid getting any water in the chocolate, as even a small amount can cause it to seize and become grainy.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your peanut butter doesn’t contain any dairy additives. Coconut oil is already vegan-friendly, so the recipe adjusts well to those needs.
What’s the best way to remove peanut butter cups from the liners?
After chilling, gently peel away the paper or silicone liners starting at the edges. Silicone liners usually pop right off, but paper liners might require a little extra care to prevent tearing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making the classic peanut butter cup at home and knowing exactly what goes into it. This Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is a wonderful project that brings indulgence, fun, and a touch of nostalgia right to your kitchen. Once you try making these silky, rich treats, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every chocolate craving or special occasion. Give it a go and get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to share them with!
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
Make delicious homemade chocolate peanut butter cups with a rich chocolate shell and creamy peanut butter filling. These easy-to-make treats combine smooth melted chocolate with a sweet and slightly salty peanut butter center, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Chocolate Coating
- 16 ounces chocolate chips, divided (approximately 2½ cups)
- 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 mini cupcake liners for smaller peanut butter cups.
- Assemble Chocolate Base: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips into a small heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until mostly melted with a few chunks remaining. Stir continuously off heat until fully melted. Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil and stir until glossy.
- Form Chocolate Base: Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin cup and spread into a thin layer using the back of the spoon. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes until hardened.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a medium bowl, mix ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt with a handheld mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined. For natural peanut butter, add 1-2 tablespoons more powdered sugar to thicken. The mixture should be firm enough to shape.
- Shape Peanut Butter Discs: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge/freezer. Using about 1 tablespoon peanut butter mixture per cup, shape small discs slightly smaller than the chocolate base. Place discs onto the hardened chocolate layer in each muffin cup.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Place remaining 1½ cups chocolate chips in a clean heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until mostly melted with chunks remaining. Stir until fully melted 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 spoon and allowing excess to drip down sides to fully encase the peanut butter.
- Harden Peanut Butter Cups: Refrigerate for about 1 hour or freeze for 10-15 minutes until chocolate is firm.
- Store and Serve: Remove peanut butter cups from liners. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Allow to sit at room temperature 5-10 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use shelf-stable creamy peanut butter for the best consistency; if using natural peanut butter, add extra powdered sugar to thicken.
- Coconut oil is optional but helps create a glossy, smooth chocolate shell.
- Silicone liners make removing peanut butter cups easier but paper liners work well too.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar in the filling.
- Allow cups to slightly soften at room temperature before eating for optimal creaminess.
- Store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge to maintain freshness.
