How to make chocolate peanut butter cups

by | Oct 4, 2023 | Chocolate Recipes

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Is there anything better than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter?? Want to make chocolate-peanut butter cups at home? We’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through every step of creating this delicious treat, from the smooth chocolate shell to the creamy peanut butter filling. This is a great recipe for anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter! So get ready for these delightful cups of heaven.

What are chocolate peanut butter cups?

Chocolate peanut butter cups are a popular candy treat made from layers of chocolate and peanut butter. They typically consist of a smooth, creamy peanut filling surrounded by a shell of chocolate, which can be either milk chocolate or dark chocolate. This classic combination is known for its sweet and salty flavor, making it a beloved snack for kids and adults.

The origin of chocolate peanut butter cups

Let’s start with a little history… Chocolate peanut butter cups were invented in the United States and are closely associated with the H.B. Reese Candy Company, which was founded by Harry Burnett Reese.

In 1928, Harry Reese introduced his famous Peanut Butter Cups to the world. The cups featured a creamy peanut butter filling encased in a milk chocolate shell. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate proved so popular that it continues to be a favorite today.  Reese’s peanut butter cups and the rest of the Reese’s suite of treats are owned and manufactured by Hershey’s. 

Are peanut butter cups healthy? 

Everything in moderation.  However, making peanut butter cups at home allows you to control the ingredients and therefore reduce the sugar content. You can use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate to create a healthier version, so you can indulge with a little less guilt.

What is the best type of chocolate to make a peanut butter cup?

When making your own peanut butter cups, the best chocolate to use depends on your taste preferences. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer the classic sweetness of milk chocolate or the rich depth of dark chocolate, high-quality chocolate makes all the difference when it comes to making the best peanut butter cups.

Quick tips for making the best peanut butter cups 

  • Use high-quality Ingredients
  • Temper the chocolate 
  • Use cupcake liners for the chocolate base 

Homemade chocolate peanut butter cups recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 12 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Method:

  • Prepare a cupcake tin with 12 liners.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, salt and powdered sugar until they are fully incorporated into a smooth mixture.
  • To temper the chocolate, melt together 8 oz of the dark chocolate and coconut oil in either a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally until just melted and smooth. Add the remainder of the dark chocolate and stir until incorporated.  Check out our previous blog post on chocolate tempering to learn more! 
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chocolate in the bottom of each cupcake liner.  Tapping the tin on the counter will help spread the chocolate.
  • Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture on top of the melted chocolate.
  • Cover each peanut butter scoop with more chocolate and smooth out the top.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened.
  • Remove peanut butter cups from the liners and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Enjoy!

We hope you enjoyed this recipe. For more great recipes, check out the rest of our CocoTerra blog

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels.  We are @cocoterra_co on Instagram and Pinterest and @cocoterraco on X (aka Twitter) and Facebook.

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