These homemade peanut butter cups take only 15 minutes to make using only four ingredients! They’re twice the size of store-bought Reese’s peanut butter cups and taste just as good, if not better! Great as gifts or to store in the freeze for when you crave this delicious chocolate and peanut butter combination!
This recipe will give you homemade Reese’s peanut butter cups that are twice as big and even tastier than the originals!. This recipe allows you to create a pan full of these treats, making it a fun and convenient way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
It’s the perfect thing to have as a mid-afternoon treat with some coffee or to bring to church events, baby showers, or parties. And if you love this recipe, you’re also going to love Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars or Chocolate Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just four main ingredients and a total time of less than fifteen minutes, this recipe for homemade peanut butter cups is a breeze to whip up. No complex cooking techniques are needed, just a bowl, a pan, and a little stirring!
- Quick: Need a last-minute treat for a party or a sudden dessert craving? This recipe is your savior. The prep time is minimal and they can be made days ahead. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature or frozen for later use.
- Family-favorite: The classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a sure hit among all age groups. The creamy peanut butter mixture and the melted chocolate layers make these treats a family favorite.
- Versatile: This recipe is extremely versatile. You can customize it by using different types of nut butters like cashew butter or almond butter. You can even add some graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture for an extra crunch.
- Delicious: These homemade peanut butter cups are twice the size of store-bought ones, making them an extra delicious treat. The dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it is a birthday party, a holiday gathering or just a casual get-together, these homemade peanut butter cups are a crowd pleaser. You can even dress them up with a drizzle of different colored chocolates or chocolate-covered espresso beans for a festive touch.
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Key Ingredients
- Melting Chocolate: This forms the outer shell of our homemade peanut butter cups. A good quality melting chocolate will provide a smooth, shiny finish and a rich flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate like semi-sweet or dark for different flavor profiles.
- Peanut Butter: This is the star of the recipe, providing that classic, creamy filling. The type of peanut butter you use can alter the sweetness of your cups. If you’re using a brand with added sugar, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar you use.
- Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens the peanut butter mixture and gives it a smoother, more spreadable consistency. The ratio of powdered sugar to peanut butter can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your peanut butter and personal preference.
- Butter: Softened butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the peanut butter mixture. It also helps bind the ingredients together and enhances the overall flavor of the treat.
- Coarse Salt: This is an optional ingredient, but a sprinkle of coarse salt on top of your peanut butter cups can balance out the sweetness and add a nice crunch. It also makes for a fancy decoration, along with whole peanuts or a drizzle of different colored chocolate.
Equipment
- Bowl – You will need a bowl to stir together the peanut butter, softened butter, and sifted powdered sugar. This bowl will also be used to freeze the mixture to harden.
- Mini Muffin Pan – This pan will hold your mini paper cups. It is perfect for creating bite-sized treats and guarantees that your homemade peanut butter cups stay in shape while the ingredients are set.
- Spoon – A spoon is essential for drizzling the melted chocolate into each paper cup and spooning the peanut butter mixture onto the chocolate bottom. It is also handy for smoothing out the layers in the cups.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cups in a Pan
Preparation
Prepare your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mini muffin pan, mini paper cups, a bowl, and a spoon. Also, gather your ingredients: peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and your favorite chocolate for melting.
Step 1 – Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
Stir together a third cup of creamy peanut butter, two tablespoons of butter (at room temperature), and a quarter cup of sifted powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Once thoroughly combined, place the entire bowl of filling in the freezer to harden.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chocolate
While your peanut butter mixture is chilling, prepare your mini muffin pan by placing mini paper cups in each slot. Next, melt about twelve ounces of your favorite chocolate (dark chocolate wafers or chocolate chips work great) according to the package instructions. Once melted, use a spoon to drizzle about one teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each paper cup.
Step 3 – Assemble the Peanut Butter Cups
Bring out the chilled peanut butter mixture from the freezer. Using a different spoon, scoop one teaspoon of the mixture onto the chocolate bottom in each cup. Give the pan a little shake to even out the peanut butter layer.
Step 4 – Add the Final Chocolate Layer
With the remaining melted chocolate, drizzle it generously over the peanut butter in each cup. Again, give the pan a gentle shake to smooth out the top layer of chocolate. Sprinkle with salt!
Step 5 – Let the Cups Cool and Harden
Once all the layers are in place, allow the cups to cool and harden. You can leave them at room temperature or place them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process. Once hardened, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups as a treat or dessert.
Expert Tip
- Chill the peanut butter mixture: After combining the peanut butter, softened butter, and sifted powdered sugar in a bowl, place it in the freezer. This helps it to harden and makes it easier to handle when filling the cups. It also helps to keep the shape when adding the top layer of chocolate.
Recipe Variations
- Extra Crunch: If you’re a fan of a little extra texture, try adding some pretzel pieces to the melted chocolate. Alternatively, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. Either way, you’ll get that delightful crunch in every bite of your homemade peanut butter cups.
- Make it Fruity: For a twist on the classic recipe, add some chopped dried cherries or coconut to the mix. This will give your peanut butter cups a fruity flavor, making them even more irresistible.
- Switch the Nut Butter: Not a fan of peanut butter? No problem! Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for the filling. Each option brings a unique flavor to these treats, and they’re all delicious.
- Change the Chocolate: If you prefer white chocolate or dark chocolate, feel free to use that instead. Regardless of the type of chocolate you choose, these homemade peanut butter cups are guaranteed to be enjoyed.
What to Serve With
- For a delightful morning treat, pair these homemade peanut butter cups with your morning coffee. The robust flavors of the coffee perfectly complement the sweet and nutty flavors of the peanut butter cups.
- Planning a movie night at home? These homemade peanut butter cups are an excellent substitute for the traditional popcorn. The combination of the sweet and salty flavors makes them the ultimate movie snack.
- Hosting a kids’ party? Make your little guests happy by serving these homemade peanut butter cups as a fun and tasty dessert. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
- For a unique dessert option, try serving these homemade peanut butter cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly balances the rich flavors of the peanut butter cups.
- These homemade peanut butter cups can also be a great addition to your holiday treats. Simply pack them in cute little gift boxes and they’re ready to be handed out as tasty and thoughtful gifts.
- Looking for a quick snack during your busy day? These homemade peanut butter cups are perfect for a grab-and-go snack. Just keep a few in an airtight container and you’re good to go!
Recipe FAQs
Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals using a microwave-safe bowl making sure to stir each time until smooth.
Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter after filling to even out the surface.
Yes, you can also use silicone molds but it’s easiest to use mini muffin cups for this recipe and they are readily available in grocery stores.
Use dairy-free chocolate and replace butter with a vegan alternative in the peanut butter filling.
Absolutely! Use mini muffin tins or candy molds for bite-sized treats.
Yes, you can use sugar-free chocolate and skip or reduce the sweetener in the peanut butter filling.
Yes, you can add a thin layer of your favorite jam or jelly for a fruity twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content to avoid affecting the texture.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate: Once your homemade peanut butter cups have fully cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Keep them separate with liners to guarantee that they don’t stick together.
Freeze: If you want to keep your treats for a longer period, these delicious cups can be frozen. Just make sure they’re completely hardened before you put them in the freezer. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen peanut butter cups, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This will make sure they maintain their creamy texture and rich taste.
More Peanut Butter Desserts You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
What to Expect: This homemade peanut butter cup recipe makes 16 treats using a mini muffin pan.
How to Scale: If you want to make more than sixteen peanut butter cups, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. You’ll need a larger bowl to mix the ingredients and two mini muffin pans.
Storing
Make-Ahead. These can be made days ahead before you need them! Let them fully cool and then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Storing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You can also freeze them and store them for up to 3 months.
Freeze. Let the cups cool and harden before plating or freezing them.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz. melting chocolate
- 1/3 Cup peanut butter
- 1/4 Cup powdered sugar sifted
- 2 Tablespoon butter softened
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt optional
Instructions
- Stir together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 Tablespoon softened butter and 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Stick the entire bowl of filling in the freezer to harden.
- Meanwhile, place mini paper cups in a mini muffin pan. Melt chocolate wafers or your favorite melting chocolate according to microwave instructions. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate with a spoon into each paper cup.
- Next, take the chilled peanut filling out of the freezer, and with another spoon, spoon 1 teaspoon of filling onto the chocolate bottom. Shake the pan to even it out.
- Using the remaining melted chocolate, drizzle it generously over the filling and do another shake with the pan again to make it smooth. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Let the cups cool and harden before plating or freezing them.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2014. It has been updated with pictures and more detailed instructions. The recipe remains the same.
Comments & Reviews
How do you spoon frozen peanut butter filing into the cups ?
Hi Rick!
Sorry for the delayed reply! The recipe here assumes that you only have the peanut butter in the freezer between steps 1 and 3… so maybe 10 minutes? You wouldn’t want to leave it in and walk away for later. If it ends up getting too frozen, you can you thaw it on the counter until it’s soft enough to spoon. Hope that helps!
Hi,first of all thank you for sharing a great recepie this is my favorite candy, I will b making a lot ?. How long do I leave on freezer the first time & the second time?
Hello Ivonne!
The first freeze is for the peanut butter filling – to harden it before adding it on the bottom layer of chocolate. The second freeze is optional. If you are making these to serve at a later time, I recommend storing them in the freezer. If you are going to serve them within the next 48 hours, you can either refrigerate or leave them out on the counter in a container – — pending the house temp! 🙂 Let me know if that doesn’t answer your question!
My question is in 1 part of the recipe it says 1 tbs butter in the ingredients part then in procedure part it says 2tbs I’m not sure which one to use
Hey Seline!
Great catch! The ingredients list should say 2 T instead of 1 T of softened butter. It won’t make much difference either way, but I would go with the 2 T. Sorry about that! I just fixed it 🙂