Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
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An easy homemade peanut butter cups recipe for those with a sweet tooth who love the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate.
If you like Reese’s peanut butter cups you are going to love this homemade candy recipe. A creamy peanut butter center is surrounded by smooth chocolate for a sweet treat that will be a hit with any Reese’s fan. For more homemade versions of your favorites give my Homemade York Peppermint Patties, Ritz cracker Thin Mints, and Homemade Twix Bars recipes a try.
Easy Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
Making your own peanut butter cups is not only fun, but it’s also surprisingly easy. My son loves helping out, and it’s become a favorite candy-making activity in our house.
And here’s a little twist: While we decorated our peanut butter cups for Christmas to add a festive touch for our Christmas candy boxes. Feel free to keep yours plain or get creative with your own decorations.
Likewise with the candy coating. You can use chocolate or vanilla depending on your preferences- or a mix of the two as we did. The beauty of this homemade candy recipe is its versatility. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought candy just won’t be the same!
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Peanut Butter –Use creamy peanut butter for that classic Reese’s cup taste. Or for a different twist, crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can be used. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter.
- Butter – Ensures a smooth blend with peanut butter. If you have only salted butter, it can still be used without a significant impact on the overall taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle flavor enhancement.
- Confectioners Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, it gives sweetness and structure to the peanut butter filling.
- Almond Bark – Use your choice of chocolate or vanilla almond bark (or make half with each as we did).
- Sprinkles – optional, for a festive touch. We went with a Christmas theme.
Equipment
- muffin pan
- cupcake liners
- hand mixer and a large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer)
- microwave-safe bowl
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Prep. Line a muffin pan with 18 cupcake liners.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, blend peanut butter and room temperature butter until smooth using a mixer. Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar, mix until crumbly.
Melt and Layer Chocolate: Melt almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Spoon a bit into each liner, spreading to cover the bottom and sides.
Shape and Assemble: Roll the peanut butter mixture into balls, flatten into discs. Place one disc in each chocolate-lined cup. Spoon remaining chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Add sprinkles if desired.
Set: Let the peanut butter cups set for about an hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving or storing.
Storage
Store PB cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cups
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier blending with peanut butter, creating a smoother filling.
- Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt the chocolate or almond bark in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- Make ’em mini: Use a mini muffin pan to make bite-size peanut butter cups.
Additions and variations
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Mix in 1/4 cup of crushed graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and a hint of honeyed sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Instead of almond bark, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil or shortening.
- Dark Chocolate: Swap half of the almond bark for dark chocolate chips to make rich dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
- Sea Salt: After adding the final chocolate layer, sprinkle of flaky sea salt the top of the chocolate cups. This adds a gourmet touch and balances the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cup FAQ
Yes, but it may affect the texture. Natural peanut butter can be oilier, so you might need to adjust the confectioners sugar to reach the desired consistency.
I recommend using almond bark as it is easier to work with than regular chocolate. It melts smoothly and sets up firm and glossy without the need for tempering. However, you can opt to use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, or another kind of chocolate or if you prefer.
Mini muffin tins work well for smaller cups. Alternatively, you can use silicone liners which will hold their shape without a muffin tin.
More Peanut Butter Recipes
- Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
- Reese’s Dip
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Peanut Butter Fritos Candy
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark or vanilla almond bark
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Line muffin pan with 18 cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar, mixing until the mixture is combined. It will be crumbly.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals and stirring after each, until smooth.
- Spoon a bit of melted almond bark into the bottom of each cup, spreading it to cover the bottom and a bit up the sides.
- Scoop heaping Tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture, roll into balls, and then flatten into thick discs.
- Place one peanut butter disc into each chocolate-coated cup.
- Spoon the remaining chocolate over the peanut butter layer in each cup. Add sprinkles immediately if desired.
- Let the peanut butter cups set for about an hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving or storing.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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