Save to Pinterest Indulge in these classic, homemade Reese's-style peanut butter cups. These decadent treats feature a creamy, lightly salted peanut butter filling enveloped in rich, dark chocolate, making them perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a homemade touch. By using high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher, you achieve a sophisticated flavor profile that perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling.
Save to Pinterest Creating these treats at home allows you to control the quality of every ingredient, from the richness of the cocoa to the smoothness of the peanut butter mixture. The result is a gourmet version of a candy aisle favorite that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Layer: 250 g (9 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped; 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother texture).
- Peanut Butter Filling: 120 g (½ cup) creamy peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted preferred); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Tilt or use a spoon to coat the sides slightly. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Step 4
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick.
- Step 5
- Roll about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into a ball, flatten slightly, and place onto the set chocolate bases. Gently press down to create an even layer, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Step 6
- Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layers, covering completely. Tap the tin gently to smooth the tops.
- Step 7
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until fully set.
- Step 8
- Remove cups from liners and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a perfectly smooth filling, make sure to sift your powdered sugar before mixing. Using a heatproof bowl for melting the chocolate and a mini muffin tin with paper liners will make the process much easier and cleaner. If you find the peanut butter mixture too soft to handle, try chilling it briefly before rolling it into balls.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For vegan peanut butter cups, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and double-check your dark chocolate ingredients. You can also experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra burst of flavor, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the final chocolate layer before chilling. These cups pair wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, making them an ideal afternoon snack or after-dinner treat.
Save to Pinterest These homemade cups are a delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, with 13g of fat, 14g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. Please note that this recipe contains peanuts and dairy, and may contain soy depending on the chocolate brand used.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher provides a rich, intense flavor and firm texture for the outer layer.
- → Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut?
Yes, almond or cashew butter can be substituted to vary the flavor while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → How do I achieve a smooth chocolate coating?
Melting chocolate gently with coconut oil helps create a silky texture that sets nicely around the filling.
- → Is chilling necessary?
Chilling the cups allows the chocolate to fully harden and helps the layers set for easy removal and eating.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Yes, by using dairy-free butter and ensuring the chocolate is vegan, you can create a plant-based version.
