Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
User Reviews
4.4
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Description
The recipe starts with melting peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly, then incorporating powdered sugar gradually to create a firm peanut butter filling that can be shaped. Separately, milk chocolate and vegetable shortening are melted together for a fluid chocolate coating. The chocolate is spooned into lined mini muffin cups to form the base layer. The peanut butter mixture is shaped into disks, chilled briefly, and then placed on top of the chocolate base before filling the cups with more melted chocolate. This creates a layered treat with a smooth chocolate exterior and a sweeter peanut butter center.
The flavor balances the richness of peanut butter with brown sugar sweetness and creamy milk chocolate. The texture contrast between the firm peanut butter layer and the enclosing chocolate provides a satisfying bite. These homemade cups allow control over sweetness and ingredients compared to store-bought versions.
Variations include substituting refined coconut oil for shortening and using different processed nut butters for varied flavor. Proper chilling between steps helps maintain shape and ease of handling. The peanut butter cups can be refrigerated for storage and are suitable for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1¼ cups powdered sugar
- 24 ounces milk chocolate finely chopped (or substitute milk chocolate chips)
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Line a mini-muffin tin with paper liners; set aside. Line a baking with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Heat until completely melted and starting to bubble a little, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Add the powdered sugar a ¼ cup at a time, stirring until completely combined with the peanut butter mixture after each addition. Set aside and let cool.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, until completely melted, stirring after each burst.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a couple of teaspoons, spoon melted chocolate into the bottom of each lined muffin cup.
- Use a heaping teaspoon to scoop out the peanut butter mixture. Roll it into a ball, and then flatten it slightly into a disk. Place on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once finished with all of the peanut butter mixture, refrigerate both the muffin tins and the peanut butter patties for about 30 minutes.
- Place a peanut butter patty on top of each chocolate-lined muffin tin. Then use a scoop or spoon to add more melted chocolate on top and around each peanut butter patty. (If the melted chocolate firmed up, just pop it back into the microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds or so to re-melt.)
- Refrigerate again for 30 minutes, then they're ready to serve! Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can keep at room temperature in an airtight container if you're going to serve them the same day, but they'll start to get soft if not at cool room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped milk chocolate with milk chocolate chips for the chocolate coating.
- Refined coconut oil can replace vegetable shortening if preferred.
- Use processed nut butters for the filling, as natural or oily varieties do not set properly.
- Nutritional values pertain to one cup of filling mixture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 36cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 183 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 183kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 36mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 103mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 40IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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