These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! They combine rich dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter for a deliciously satisfying bite.
They’re like little hugs of joy! I can’t resist sneakily enjoying a cup (or two) after dinner. Who can blame me? They’re just too good to share! 😋
Making these cups is a breeze. Just melt, mix, and chill. I love keeping a batch handy for when I need a quick pick-me-up! Perfect for snack time or a special dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for ease, about 70% cocoa is perfect for rich flavor. If you want it sweeter, consider semi-sweet chocolate. For a dairy-free option, use vegan chocolate chips!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth filling. If you’re avoiding peanuts, almond or sunflower seed butter work great as alternatives. Just make sure they’re creamy for easy spreading!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener adds a nice touch to the peanut butter mix, keeping it smooth. You can use maple syrup or honey instead if you’re looking for a less processed sweetener, but adjust the quantity as they’re more liquid.
Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing flavors! If you’re out of vanilla, you could skip it, but it really complements the chocolate and peanut butter well.
How Do I Get the Chocolate to Set Smoothly?
Getting a good chocolate coating might seem tricky, but it’s all about technique! Here’s how to ensure your chocolate shines and sets perfectly:
- Melt the chocolate carefully; microwaving in short bursts is best. Stirring frequently helps maintain a silky texture.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly in the muffin cups. Coat the sides well to create a strong shell.
- Let it cool in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it firms up before adding the peanut butter. This helps retain the structure.
- Be gentle when adding the peanut butter filling and spreading the final chocolate layer. A delicate touch keeps everything intact!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate, about 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular, unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt or flaky salt (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 40 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a little time melting, mixing, and layering—then let ’em set to create the perfect peanut butter cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by lining a muffin tin with 6-8 paper cupcake liners. This will make it easy to pull the cups out once they’re set. You can also use silicone molds if you have them!
2. Melt the Dark Chocolate:
Next, melt the dark chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals. Remember to stir after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and melted. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop. Either way, be careful not to burn it!
3. Create the Chocolate Base:
Now, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted dark chocolate into the bottom of each lined muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly and coat the bottom and sides slightly. Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set up.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
While waiting for the chocolate to set, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until you get a smooth and creamy filling. Make sure it’s well combined—this is the delicious heart of your cups!
5. Add the Peanut Butter Filling:
Once the chocolate bottoms have hardened, take the muffin tin out of the fridge. Gently spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter filling onto the chocolate base in each cup. Flatten the peanut butter slightly, but make sure to keep it away from the edges.
6. Cover with More Chocolate:
Next, cover each peanut butter layer with another tablespoon of melted dark chocolate. Carefully spread it over the peanut butter to fully encase the filling and create a beautiful top layer.
7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle just a little flaky sea salt on top of each cup. This adds a lovely salty finish that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter!
8. Chill to Set:
Now, place the muffin tin back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the cups are fully set and firm. Be patient; it’s worth the wait!
9. Enjoy Your Treats:
Once the cups are set, remove them from the liners. Enjoy your delicious dark chocolate peanut butter cups! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
These treats are rich and creamy with just the right touch of saltiness. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of milk chocolate, feel free to replace the dark chocolate with milk chocolate chips. Keep in mind that it will result in a sweeter treat!
How Do I Store Leftover Peanut Butter Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure they’re well-separated to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap each cup tightly!
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your cups. Just mix it as you would creamy peanut butter, and enjoy those little crunchy bits!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Sure! To make vegan dark chocolate peanut butter cups, use vegan dark chocolate chips and a plant-based peanut butter option. Just ensure the chocolate is dairy-free!
