Dark chocolate peanut butter cups (USA)

These chocolate peanut butter cups are a delightful homemade version of the beloved sweet treat. A smooth, creamy peanut butter centre covered in rich chocolate makes them surprisingly simple to make but they taste amazing. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients for dark chocolate peanut butter cups

• High-quality chocolate
• Creamy peanut butter
• Icing sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Coconut oil

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Creating these chocolate peanut butter cups is simple and fun.

1. Step 1: Melt your chocolate using either a microwave or double boiler method until smooth.
2. Step 2: Add coconut oil to the melted chocolate if using, stirring until completely incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine peanut butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or use silicone moulds.
5. Step 5: Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, tilting to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Add a dollop of peanut butter mixture to the centre of each chocolate base.
7. Step 7: Cover each peanut butter dollop with more melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Step 8: Tap the tin gently to level the chocolate and remove air bubbles.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until completely set before carefully removing from liners.

Hint: To achieve professional-looking cups, use a small measuring spoon (like a ¼ teaspoon) to create a shallow well in the first layer of chocolate before it sets. This helps contain the peanut butter filling perfectly in the centre.

Substitutions

• Peanut Butter: replace with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies
• Powdered sugar: substitute with powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a low-sugar option
• Chocolate: use dairy-free chocolate to make these treats suitable for a vegan diet

Variations

Try these variations to put your own spin on the classic recipe.

• Crunchy: add a sprinkle of crushed biscuits, rice cereal, or chopped nuts to the peanut butter filling for added texture
• Sea Salt: sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of the cups before the chocolate sets for a sweet-salty contrast
• Spiced: add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the peanut butter mixture for a hint of spice

Equipment

A standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners works perfectly for this recipe. Consider investing in silicone chocolate moulds, which make removal even easier.

A microwave-safe glass bowl or a heat-resistant bowl for a double boiler setup is essential. A small offset spatula can be helpful for smoothing the chocolate layers.

Storage

These homemade chocolate peanut butter cups can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature keeps the chocolate firm and prevents the peanut butter filling from becoming too soft.

These treats also freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving. In the freezer, they keep for three months.

Top Tip

For the smoothest, most professional-looking finish, make sure your peanut butter filling doesn't touch the sides of the cups when assembling. Keep a small border of chocolate around the edges to ensure the filling is completely encased and won't leak out when biting into your treats.

Pairing

These are my favourite things to serve with homemade chocolate peanut butter cups:

• A glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that balances the richness
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream with the cups crumbled on top
• A cup of strong coffee to complement the sweet chocolate
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter

📖 Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

Making these at home is easy, and fun, and yields a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet treat that’s hard to beat.

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ServingsServings 12

Ingredients  

• 8 oz high-quality chocolate dark, milk, or semi-sweet
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil optional, for a smoother chocolate texture

Instructions 

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

• The first step is to melt your chocolate. You can do this either in a microwave or using a double boiler.
• Microwave Method: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Add the optional coconut oil for a shinier finish if you like.
• Double Boiler Method: Heat a few inches of water in a saucepan. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate and stir until melted.
• Tip: If you want a glossy, professional finish to your chocolate, you can temper it by carefully controlling the temperature, but this is completely optional!

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

• Next, create the creamy peanut butter filling. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
• Mix until smooth and slightly thickened. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps create a firm but creamy consistency that holds up inside the chocolate cup. If your mixture feels too soft, you can chill it for 10-15 minutes before assembling.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

• Now comes the fun part—assembling the cups!
• Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or use silicone moulds.
• Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Tilt or spread the chocolate so it coats the bottom evenly.
• Add a dollop of the peanut butter mixture to the centre of each cup, making sure it doesn’t touch the sides.
• Top each cup with more melted chocolate, ensuring the peanut butter is completely covered.
• Tip: Tap the tin lightly on the counter to level the chocolate and remove air bubbles.

Step 4: Chill and Set

• Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened completely. Once set, carefully peel the liners off, and voilà—your homemade peanut butter cups are ready!

Notes

• Avoid Grainy Peanut Butter: Make sure your peanut butter mixture is smooth by mixing it well. If your peanut butter is too dry, add a little melted coconut oil or butter to loosen it.
• Even Layers: When assembling, try to keep the peanut butter centred and avoid it touching the sides to ensure a clean finish.
• Storage: Store your peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months. They taste delicious chilled!