Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – Easy & Delicious Recipe

If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! These homemade chocolate peanut butter cups are rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious—even better than the store-bought ones! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, making a sweet treat for a party, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this peanut butter cup recipe is perfect for you.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

• Better Than Store-Bought: Skip the preservatives and enjoy fresh, homemade peanut butter cups with pure flavors.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You only need a muffin tin and paper liners—no candy molds required!
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy peanut butter filling perfectly complements the rich chocolate coating.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, use dark chocolate for a richer taste, or add toppings like sea salt or chopped nuts.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

For the Chocolate Layers:

• 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Peanut Butter Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Layers

1. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each liner and use a spoon to spread it evenly.
4. Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

5. In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
6. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture onto each chocolate base and gently flatten.

Step 3: Top with More Chocolate

7. Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and spoon it over the peanut butter layer. Smooth the tops with a spoon.
8. Tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

9. Refrigerate or freeze for 20-30 minutes, until fully set.
10. Remove from liners and enjoy!

Storage Tips

• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations and Customizations

• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for an intense, less-sweet version.
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
• Sea Salt Topping: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
• Healthier Alternative: Use sugar-free chocolate and natural peanut butter for a healthier treat.

FAQs About Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate to create different flavor variations.

Can I Make These Peanut Butter Cups Without Paper Liners?

Yes! You can use silicone muffin cups or lightly grease a muffin tin for easy removal.

Why Is My Chocolate Not Smooth?

Adding coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps smooth out the chocolate and makes it easier to work with.

How Do I Prevent the Peanut Butter from Being Too Soft?

Chilling the peanut butter filling slightly before assembling the cups can help keep it firm.

Can I Make These Peanut Butter Cups Vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the butter with coconut oil.

Conclusion

These homemade chocolate peanut butter cups are a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and taste even better than store-bought versions. Whether you prefer classic peanut butter cups, a healthier alternative, or a gourmet twist, this simple peanut butter cup recipe has got you covered. So grab your ingredients, get melting, and enjoy a batch of homemade chocolate peanut butter goodness today

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