Homemade Peanut Butter Cups are a rich, creamy, and chocolatey treat that’s even better than the store-bought version! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these no-bake treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while controlling the quality of ingredients. Whether you prefer classic, dark, or crunchy peanut butter, these cups are easy to customize and make in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Better Than Store-Bought – Richer flavor with natural ingredients.
- No-Bake & Easy – No oven needed—just melt, mix, and chill.
- Customizable – Use dark chocolate, crunchy peanut butter, or add extras like sea salt.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
- Coconut oil or butter (for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Directions
- Melt the chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling – In another bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble – Spoon melted chocolate into mini cupcake liners, spreading it up the sides. Chill for 5 minutes.
- Add peanut butter layer – Scoop peanut butter mixture onto the chilled chocolate base.
- Top with more chocolate – Cover with a final layer of melted chocolate and smooth the top.
- Chill & Set – Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
- Enjoy! – Remove from liners and savor your homemade peanut butter cups.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 mini peanut butter cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – Use 70% dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- Salted Peanut Butter Cups – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
- Almond Butter Cups – Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: No need to reheat—just enjoy chilled or at room temperature!
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes! Just make sure to stir well so the oil is evenly mixed before using.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Milk chocolate for classic flavor, dark chocolate for richness, or white chocolate for a fun twist.
How do I prevent melting?
Store them in the fridge or freezer if you live in a warm climate.
Can I make larger peanut butter cups?
Yes! Use standard cupcake liners and increase the chocolate and peanut butter layers.
How do I make these keto-friendly?
Use sugar-free chocolate and swap powdered sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, rice crisps, or caramel inside.
Can I make these without coconut oil?
Yes! Use butter or shortening instead for a similar consistency.
How do I get a smooth chocolate top?
Tap the tray lightly on the counter before chilling to even out the chocolate.
Can I use a silicone mold instead of cupcake liners?
Yes! A silicone mold makes them easy to pop out once set.
How do I make them extra glossy?
Tempering the chocolate (gently melting and cooling it properly) will give it a shinier finish.
Conclusion
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, you can create a sweet, satisfying dessert that’s better than anything store-bought. Try them today and customize to your heart’s desire!
Print
Peanut Butter Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini peanut butter cups 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and creamy peanut butter cups are made with just a few ingredients and taste even better than store-bought! Perfect for a sweet treat or a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Layers:
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or butter, optional for smoother chocolate)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Prepare Muffin Liners: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner and spread it to coat the bottom. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Cups: Scoop ½ teaspoon of peanut butter mixture onto the set chocolate layer. Flatten slightly with a spoon.
- Top with More Chocolate: Spoon another teaspoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, ensuring it’s fully covered. Tap the pan gently to smooth the tops.
- Chill & Set: Freeze for 15–20 minutes or refrigerate for 30 minutes, until firm.
- Enjoy! Peel off the liners and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!
Notes
- Make It Crunchy: Use crunchy peanut butter or mix in crushed peanuts.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.