Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1 ccreamy peanut butter
- 6 tbspunsalted butter
- 2 cpowdered sugar
- ¾ cgraham cracker crumbs
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 83.5-oz. bars dark chocolate
70% cocoa
- Flaky sea salt
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Line two baking sheets with 48 regular-size paper muffin liners or 96 mini paper muffin liners; set aside.
- 2
Beat the peanut butter and butter on medium in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low, gradually stir in the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla extract and salt. Beat until well combined, about 1 minute.
- 3
Divide the peanut butter mixture into 1 1/2 teaspoon balls for regular size peanut butter cups or 1/2 teaspoon balls for mini cups. Flatten into about 1 1/2-inch wide discs for regular size or 1-inch wide discs for mini cups. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and chill while melting the chocolate.
- 4
Fill the bottom of a medium saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Place chopped chocolate in a dry, heatproof glass or ceramic bowl that is slightly larger than the saucepan. The bowl should sit on top of the pan without its bottom touching the water.
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Place the bowl of chocolate over the saucepan of water. Heat the chocolate, stirring occasionally with a dry rubber spatula, until chocolate is mostly smooth and melted, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining chocolate and mixture is smooth (return bowl to saucepan, if needed).
- 6
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of chocolate into the bottom of each regular muffin cup or about 1 teaspoon chocolate into the bottom of each mini muffin cup. Gently press 1 peanut butter disc into each muffin cup, allowing the chocolate to come up around the sides. Spoon chocolate on top of peanut butter to cover, about 2 teaspoons for regular muffin cups or 1 teaspoon for mini muffin cups.
- 7
Sprinkle the top of each peanut butter cup with flaky sea salt, if desired. Chill peanut butter cups until chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that iconic peanut butter and chocolate pairing without the store-bought wrapper? These homemade peanut butter cups are surprisingly simple to make, delivering a delightful indulgence that outshines any pre-packaged version.
Why These Peanut Butter Cups Are a Must-Try
This recipe shines by combining creamy peanut butter with a unique addition: graham cracker crumbs. This clever inclusion provides a subtle texture and depth that sets your homemade treats apart. Plus, with two decadent layers of dark chocolate, you're guaranteed a rich, satisfying bite every time.
What to Expect from Your Homemade Treat
Prepare for a treat that delivers on all fronts. You'll bite into a smooth, buttery, and slightly salty peanut butter filling, perfectly balanced by the rich, complex notes of 70% cocoa dark chocolate. The delicate crunch from the graham cracker crumbs offers an exciting textural contrast, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavors, making each cup taste truly gourmet. This recipe is designed to be easy, yet it yields an impressive 48 servings, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying over time.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as written, feel free to personalize your peanut butter cups. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can swap the dark (70% cocoa) chocolate for a milk chocolate or semi-sweet variety. For an extra textural element, consider using crunchy peanut butter in place of creamy, though creamy offers a wonderfully smooth interior. These treats are naturally adaptable and a joy to customize to your preference.
Serving & Context
These homemade peanut butter cups are an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion. They're perfect for a birthday party, make delightful Christmas or Valentine's Day gifts, and are excellent for feeding a crowd. The elegant touch of flaky sea salt makes them feel special and ready for presentation.