Luscious Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Homemade Luscious Peanut Butter Cups Recipe: Sweet Treats Joy

Chocolate and peanut butter create a magical combination in these homemade peanut butter cups that will make taste buds dance with delight.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe brings the classic candy store treat right into your kitchen.

The rich, creamy peanut butter nestled within smooth chocolate creates an irresistible texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Every bite promises a symphony of sweet and salty flavors that commercial versions can’t match.

These delectable treats come together quickly with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Small enough for a quick indulgence yet decadent enough to impress, these peanut butter cups are your ticket to confectionery bliss.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 12

Peanut Butter Cups Ingredient Lineup

For Chocolate Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Brings rich, silky chocolate flavor with smooth melting properties.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps chocolate achieve perfect glossy texture and aids in smooth melting.
For Peanut Butter Filling:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides creamy, nutty core with protein-packed deliciousness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes filling with light, airy consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertone that complements peanut butter.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Preparation:
  • Paper Liners: Creates perfect individual serving shape and easy removal.
  • Mini Muffin Tin: Ensures uniform size and professional-looking chocolate cups.

Tools That Help You Make Perfect Peanut Butter Cups

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate smoothly and evenly.
  • Mini muffin tin: Provides perfect shape and size for bite-sized peanut butter cups.
  • Paper liners: Ensures easy removal and clean presentation of the cups.
  • Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining peanut butter filling ingredients.
  • Spoon: Used for spreading chocolate, scooping peanut butter mixture, and tapping pan.

How to Create Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Easily

  • Melt Chocolate Goodness

Create a silky smooth chocolate base by gently melting chocolate with a touch of coconut oil in the microwave. Stir between short bursts until everything transforms into a luxurious liquid.

  • Create Chocolate Bases

Grab a mini muffin tin and line it with cute paper cups. Pour a small pool of melted chocolate into each liner, making sure to cover the bottom completely. Pop the tray into the freezer for a quick chill.

  • Whip Up Peanut Butter Magic

Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until you’ve got a creamy dream that’s ready to become the star of these delightful treats.

  • Layer Your Delights

Scoop a dollop of peanut butter mixture onto each chocolate base. Gently press it down to create a smooth surface that’s ready for its chocolate crown.

  • Seal with Chocolate

Drizzle another layer of melted chocolate over the peanut butter, making sure to completely cover the filling. Give the pan a gentle tap to create perfectly smooth tops.

  • Chill and Reveal

Let your creations set in the freezer or refrigerator until they’re firm and ready to be devoured. The waiting is the hardest part!

  • Unwrap and Enjoy

Peel away the paper liners and treat yourself to these homemade nuggets of pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss.

Flavor Add-Ins for Your Peanut Butter Cups

  • Drizzle contrasting white or dark chocolate on top of the cups for a gourmet aesthetic that elevates the visual appeal.
  • Replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a low-carb, diabetic-friendly version of these delightful treats.
  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique taste profiles that transform the classic recipe.
  • Mix a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder into the peanut butter filling to create a post-workout snack with added nutritional benefits.
  • Use sunflower seed butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cups completely nut-free and suitable for those with allergies.

Serve Peanut Butter Cups for Gifts or Treats

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these delightful peanut butter cups on a sleek serving tray with colorful berries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert presentation.
  • Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual cups in clear cellophane with a ribboned bow, creating charming homemade gifts perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because moments.
  • Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or pair with a rich espresso for an indulgent flavor combination that elevates the entire experience.
  • Decorative Garnish Flair: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, cocoa powder, or drizzle melted white chocolate on top to add gourmet-style visual appeal and extra texture to your delectable treats.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cups and Keep Them Fresh

  • Keep Your Treats Fresh
  • Store peanut butter cups in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Cool temperatures maintain their perfect texture and prevent melting.
  • Wrap individual cups in wax paper, then place in a sealed freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 3 months, ready for sudden sweet cravings.
  • Avoid leaving these treats at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Chocolate and peanut butter can soften quickly, losing their ideal crisp texture.
  • Create single-serving stacks separated by parchment paper, making grab-and-go snacking simple and mess-free.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Luscious Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Luscious Peanut Butter Cups Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups bring classic chocolate-peanut comfort right into kitchens with simple ingredients and zero baking required. Rich chocolate shells cradle creamy peanut butter centers, creating irresistible sweet treats for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup (180 g) creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil (or butter, optional for smoother chocolate)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Chocolate Melting: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in brief intervals and stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Muffin Liner Preparation: Arrange paper liners in a mini muffin tin, carefully coating the bottom with a thin layer of melted chocolate. Swiftly freeze for approximately 5 minutes to solidify the initial chocolate base.
  3. Peanut Butter Mixture: Blend peanut butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creating a smooth, creamy filling that holds its shape when spooned.
  4. Layering Construction: Delicately distribute the peanut butter mixture atop the chilled chocolate layer, gently pressing to create an even surface. Generously cover the peanut butter with additional melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Chilling Process: Transfer the assembled treats to the freezer for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to completely set and develop a firm texture.
  6. Serving Presentation: Carefully remove the paper liners, revealing glossy, perfectly formed peanut butter cups ready to be savored and enjoyed.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chocolate chips and melt slowly to prevent burning, stirring consistently between microwave intervals for smooth, glossy texture.
  • Ensure peanut butter mixture is thick and not runny by adding powdered sugar gradually, which helps create stable filling and prevents separation.
  • Chill layers briefly between steps to maintain distinct chocolate and peanut butter layers, creating clean, professional-looking homemade cups.
  • Swap traditional chocolate for dairy-free dark chocolate and use alternative nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter for gluten-free, vegan-friendly variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star