Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Introduction
Homemade peanut butter cups are a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich milk chocolate. This easy recipe lets you create perfect, bite-sized sweets that rival store-bought versions. They’re ideal for satisfying your chocolate cravings or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate
- 1 Tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a mini muffin tray with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for about 20 seconds until softened but not melted. Stir in the powdered sugar until fully combined to form the filling.
- Step 3: Melt the milk chocolate and shortening together using a double boiler until smooth.
- Step 4: Spoon about a teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Add about a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture on top. Finally, cover each with more melted chocolate. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the peanut butter cups until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the filling.
- Substitute dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet taste.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet-salty contrast.
- If you don’t have shortening, a small amount of coconut oil works well to smooth the melted chocolate.
Storage
Store the peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. They can also be frozen for up to three months—thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter is often thinner and oilier, which might affect the texture of the filling. You may need to adjust the powdered sugar or refrigerate the mixture longer to firm it up.
Why do I need to add shortening to the chocolate?
Shortening helps smooth the melted chocolate, making it easier to work with and giving the finished cups a shinier, more professional appearance. It also prevents the chocolate from becoming too thick as it cools.
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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini peanut butter cups 1x
Description
This recipe for Homemade Peanut Butter Cups offers a delicious and easy-to-make treat combining creamy peanut butter and rich milk chocolate. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin liners, these cups provide a classic candy flavor with a homemade touch, ideal for sweet snacks or gifts.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Prepare Muffin Tray. Line a mini muffin tray with paper liners to make handling and serving easier.
- Make Peanut Butter Mixture. Place the peanut butter, butter, and a pinch of salt into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 20 seconds to soften the butter slightly without melting it completely, then stir in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Melt Chocolate. Using a double boiler, melt the milk chocolate and shortening together gently to create a smooth, glossy coating.
- Assemble Cups. Spoon about a teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Add a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Finally, cover each cup with another layer of melted chocolate. Tap the muffin tin on the counter gently to remove any air bubbles and to level the cups.
- Set and Harden. Place the assembled peanut butter cups in the fridge and let them chill until the chocolate hardens completely, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe bowl when softening the butter and peanut butter to avoid any accidents.
- Shortening helps the melted chocolate to be more fluid and sets with a shiny finish; you can use coconut oil as an alternative.
- Make sure not to overheat the peanut butter mixture to prevent melting the butter completely.
- If you don’t have a double boiler, melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring frequently.
- Store finished peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them from melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter cups, homemade candy, chocolate peanut butter treat, mini peanut butter cups, easy dessert
