Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
There’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade chocolate peanut butter cup with that perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut filling. This recipe creates restaurant-quality candy at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Best of all, you’ll know exactly what goes into every delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150g creamy peanut butter
- 50g powdered sugar
- 25g butter
- 50g roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 12 cupcake liners
Instructions
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Melt 100g of the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner and smooth it up the sides. Freeze for 15 minutes until set.
- Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter together in a bowl until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture onto each chocolate base and press down gently. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- Melt the remaining 100g dark chocolate and spoon about 1 tablespoon over each peanut butter layer, smoothing to seal the edges.
- Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and sea salt on top while the chocolate is still soft.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours or until completely firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Practical Tips
- Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor, and make sure your chocolate is tempered for a nice snap when you bite into these.
- If your peanut butter mixture seems too soft, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before spooning onto the chocolate bases to prevent it from spreading too much.
- Work quickly when adding the top chocolate layer, as it sets faster than the bottom layer. If it hardens before you finish, simply remelt it in short intervals.
How to Store
Keep your chocolate peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to one month if you want to extend their shelf life. Remove them from the freezer about 5 minutes before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, milk chocolate works well if you prefer a sweeter taste. The cups will be slightly softer, so keep them refrigerated rather than frozen between servings.
What if I don’t have a double boiler? You can melt the chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals and stirring between each one. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures smooth, even melting.
Can I add other toppings besides peanuts? Absolutely. Try crushed pretzels, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of caramel before the chocolate sets for creative variations.