These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a sweet treat that balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. They’re super easy to make, perfect for satisfying those cravings!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a few before they cool down. Seriously, who can resist that chocolatey goodness? 🍫🥜
Making these cups is a breeze! Just melt the chocolate, mix in the peanut butter, and let them chill. I always keep some on hand—they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate: Use chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for richer flavor. If you’re out of dark chocolate, semi-sweet or even milk chocolate works in a pinch, though it’ll be sweeter. I often choose bittersweet chocolate for a nice balance.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal for this recipe, but crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture. You can also substitute almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor—just check for allergies!
Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and smoothness to the peanut butter. If you want a healthier option, you could use honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
Vanilla Extract: It’s optional but enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use a tiny splash of almond extract instead.
How Can You Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate can be tricky, but it’s essential for a good texture in your peanut butter cups. Here’s how to do it right:
- If using the microwave, melt chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between to prevent burning.
- For a double boiler, place a heatproof bowl over simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir often until melted.
Whichever method you choose, keep an eye on it! Overheated chocolate can seize up, making it clumpy and unusable. A little patience goes a long way here!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular, unsweetened or lightly salted)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the freezer. So, you’ll be enjoying these delicious Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups in around 45 minutes—perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Mold:
Start by lining a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or mini silicone molds. This makes them easy to remove later. If you don’t have these, you can also use a regular muffin tin—just make sure to grease it if you’re not using liners!
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until smooth. If you prefer, melt it using a double boiler on the stove. Just be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it might become clumpy!
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly over the bottom. Once done, pop the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the chocolate layer sets, mix the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (if using) in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth. This is going to be your delicious filling!
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
After 10 minutes, take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Place about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate layer in each cup. Gently press it down to flatten it out but be careful to leave a bit of chocolate showing on the sides!
6. Top with More Chocolate:
Now, cover the peanut butter layer with another tablespoon of melted chocolate, making sure it totally encases the peanut butter. This keeps everything together and adds that delicious chocolate layer on top!
7. Add Some Flaky Salt:
Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup. This little touch brings out the flavors perfectly and adds a nice crunch!
8. Chill to Set:
Return the muffin tin to the freezer and chill the cups for at least 30 minutes or until they are fully firm. They should be nice and solid when you’re ready to eat them!
9. Store and Enjoy!
Once set, store the peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can enjoy them chilled or at room temperature—either way, they’re irresistible!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups! 🍫🥜
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste! Just keep in mind that milk chocolate will make the cups considerably sweeter, so adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the filling if you want to balance it out.
What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter?
No problem! You can substitute peanut butter with any nut or seed butter you like, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Just make sure it’s creamy for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Peanut Butter Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor in the peanut butter filling. Just be sure not to overwhelm the mixture!