Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are a fun treat that combines creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly in a yummy chocolate shell. They are great for snacking or dessert!
What’s not to love? These treats take you back to your childhood lunchbox days! I like to keep them in the fridge for a cool, sweet surprise when I’m craving something special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for the cups. If you need a dairy-free option, dark chocolate or even carob chips work well. I prefer using chocolate that’s easy to melt for a smoother finish.
Peanut Butter: You’ll need creamy peanut butter for the filling, and it’s best to use the natural kind without added sugar or oils. If you have nut allergies, sun butter or soy nut butter are excellent substitutes!
Jelly or Jam: Any flavor you love can work here! Strawberry and raspberry are classics, but feel free to get creative with peach or even mango. I usually go for strawberry for that classic peanut butter and jelly taste.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to do it well:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. This helps prevent it from burning.
- Ensure your bowl is completely dry; any water can cause the chocolate to seize.
- If you prefer, you can melt chocolate using a double boiler for more control: just simmer water in a pot and place a heatproof bowl on top.
This ensures a velvety texture for your cups. Happy melting!
Peanut Butter And Jelly Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (for the filling)
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to sweetness)
- 1/2 cup jelly or jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or grape work well)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare plus an additional 20-30 minutes to chill in the fridge or freezer. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert to enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cup Base:
Start by lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into each cupcake liner and spread it evenly along the bottom and up the sides. Pop the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix well until you have a smooth and slightly thickened filling. This will be your delicious center!
3. Add the Creamy Center:
In another bowl, take 1 cup of smooth peanut butter and mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until it’s creamy and sweet. You can adjust the sugar based on your taste preference for sweetness.
4. Assemble the Cups:
Take the muffin tin out of the freezer. Spoon a generous layer of the thicker peanut butter filling into each chocolate shell, filling them about halfway. Next, add about 1 teaspoon of jelly or jam on top of the peanut butter layer. Finally, cover the jam with the remaining melted chocolate to seal the cups all the way.
5. Chill:
Once assembled, place the muffin tin back in the fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. This step is crucial for a nice firm bite!
6. Serve:
After the chocolate has set, carefully remove the cups from the liners and enjoy them chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They make a delightful sweet treat anytime!
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups are the ultimate nostalgic treat, packed with flavors of creamy peanut butter, sweet jelly, and rich chocolate, all in one bite-sized delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer dark or milk chocolate, feel free to substitute those in place of semi-sweet chocolate. Just ensure it’s a quality chocolate that melts smoothly for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Cupcake Liners?
If you don’t have cupcake liners, you can grease the muffin tin lightly with cooking spray to help prevent sticking. Just be extra careful when removing the cups! Alternatively, silicone muffin cups work great too.
How Should I Store These Cups?
Store your Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. They should last about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long once you taste them!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, you can make these cups vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan brand of peanut butter. Just double-check that your jelly or jam is also free of any animal products.