Classic Peanut Butter Cups

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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There's something timeless about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. These Classic Peanut Butter Cups capture that perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a homemade touch that elevates them above store-bought options. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun weekend project, this recipe is a delightful treat that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Cups

Peeanut butter is the star of the show, offering a creamy, nutty base that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Choose a creamy variety for the best texture. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the peanut butter mixture set properly. Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. For the chocolate coating, semisweet chocolate chips provide a perfect level of sweetness and melt smoothly. A bit of coconut oil helps the chocolate set with a nice sheen.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a small spoon or a piping bag for neater layers.
  • If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the peanut butter mixture slightly before adding it to the cups.
  • To make removing the cups easier, gently twist the paper liners before pulling them off.
  • For a nutty crunch, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter layer.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter cups pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. For a fun dessert platter, serve alongside sliced bananas and strawberries for a fresh, fruity contrast. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert charcuterie board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be used, depending on your preference.
What if I don't have coconut oil?
You can substitute with vegetable oil, though coconut oil helps with the sheen.
How should I store these peanut butter cups?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Classic Peanut Butter Cups Recipe Walkthrough

Start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners — this will make it easier to remove the peanut butter cups later. Next, combine the peanut butter and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until they're well melted and combined.

Once melted, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. Set it aside for now. In another bowl, place your chocolate chips and coconut oil together, then microwave in 30-second bursts just like before, stirring until completely melted.

Spoon about a tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each paper liner, spreading it just enough to cover the bottom. Follow this with a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture, carefully smoothing it over the chocolate layer. Finally, top it off with another tablespoon of the remaining chocolate, ensuring the peanut butter is fully covered.

Pop the tray into the fridge for at least an hour or until everything is nicely set. When you're ready to serve, let the cups sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
  • A great treat to prepare ahead for parties or gifts.
  • Satisfies both chocolate and peanut butter cravings.
  • No baking required, just some chill time in the fridge.

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring between each.
3. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring between each.
5. Spoon a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner, spreading it slightly to cover the bottom.
6. Add a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer, smoothing it evenly.
7. Cover the peanut butter layer with another tablespoon of melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered.
8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set.
9. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

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