Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

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Indulge in the sweet and salty bliss of our Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups recipe. These homemade peanut butter cups are a perfect harmony of rich, dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, this decadent dark chocolate dessert will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more, and just in case your wondering…Yeh…they’re much better than store-bought dark chocolate Reese’s cups.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with our easy to make peanut butter cups recipe. Made with simple ingredients, this amazing recipe is perfect for those who want a decadent melt in your mouth treat without all the complicated fuss.

My love affair with this delectable peanut butter chocolate treat began in childhood and has only blossomed over the years. No other peanut butter cup recipe comes close to the luxurious flavor and texture of this one. Every bite is a symphony of rich, bittersweet dark chocolate and smooth peanut butter, making it the perfect indulgence for any time of day.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dessert or just a sweet snack, this peanut butter chocolates recipe is sure to satisfy. So, what are you waiting for? Don your apron, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a family favorite. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Why You Will Love This Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of rich, dark chocolate and creamy, smooth peanut butter creates a perfectly balanced flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Decadent and Indulgent: With 60% dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt, this peanut butter cup recipe is a decadent and indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients and steps. It’s perfect for those who want to make a delicious and impressive dessert without too much hassle.

Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a dessert for a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, these peanut butter cups are perfect for all occasions.

Customizable to Your Taste: With the option to adjust the amount of sea salt or add in other ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit, this recipe can be customized to your taste preferences. So whether you prefer a sweeter or a saltier treat, this recipe has got you covered!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate: I used 60% cacao dark chocolate for this recipe, it balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and sugar nicely. If you like sweeter or darker chocolate, you can use 55% or 70% cacao. Keep in mind that using a different percentage of cacao will affect the flavor and texture of your chocolate peanut butter cups.
• Creamy Natural Peanut Butter: I recommend using natural, unsweetened peanut butter that is creamy in texture. This will help the peanut butter layer mix well with the other ingredients and have a smooth, velvety texture. If you don’t have natural peanut butter, you can use regular creamy peanut butter, but keep in mind that it will have a sweeter taste and contain added sugars.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter is used in this recipe to create a creamy texture, it also balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but I recommend you reduce some of the sea salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Sifted confectioner’s sugar also known as icing sugar or powdered sugar is used to sweeten the peanut butter layer. If you don’t have confectioner’s sugar, you can use granulated sugar and process it in a blender or food processor until it’s a fine powder.
• Sea Salt: I added a little bit of sea salt to enhance and bring out the contrast in the flavors and balance the sweetness of the peanut butter cups. If you don’t have sea salt, you can use regular table salt, just keep in mind that sea salt has a more delicate flavor than regular salt.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a twist to these classic dark chocolate peanut butter cups, it enhances the flavors and adds a touch of warmth. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can leave it out or substitute it with an equal amount of almond extract, maple extract, or another flavor of your choice.

Good To Know: Tips and Tricks

With my tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect dark chocolate peanut butter cups!

Use high-quality dark chocolate: The quality of the chocolate you use will really make a difference in how your peanut butter chocolate cups turn out. I recommend at least 60% cacao dark chocolate for a smooth, creamy, and deep chocolate flavor.

Soften the butter: Make sure to keep your butter a room temperature to soften before making the peanut butter filling. This will ensure that the filling turns out creamy and smooth, it will also make it easier to mix in with the other ingredients.

Sift the confectioner’s sugar: Sifting the confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar) will get rid of any lumps and create a smoother filling.

Salt to taste: The amount of sea salt for this chocolate peanut butter cup recipe is just a starting point. You can add more or less, depending on your personal taste preference. Just be careful not to add too much, as the salt will enhance the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate.

Be careful with the microwave: Chocolate can burn very quickly, if your using a microwave to melt the chocolate be sure to use short intervals stirring after each one to avoid overheating and seizing the chocolate.

Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop is a great tool for portioning out the melted chocolate and peanut butter filling evenly into the muffin tin.

Let it set: After you pour the final layer of chocolate on top of the peanut butter filling, it’s important to let the cups set in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help the chocolate and the filling to set firm.

Ingredients For Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

• 450 grams of dark chocolate (60% cacao), chopped or in chip form
• 140 grams creamy natural peanut butter
• 30 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 50 grams confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 5 grams vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (1.2 grams)

How To Make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups?

1. Line a standard 12-cup muffin baking pan with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a double boiler or using the microwave, melt half the dark chocolate until smooth, then mix in 1/8 teaspoon of the sea salt and stir to combine.
3. Spoon the melted chocolate into the muffin cups and use the back of a spoon to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Place into the freezer for 15 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
4. In a separate bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the sea salt until it turns light and fluffy.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture into the muffin cups, and use the back of a spoon to spread evenly and create a flat surface. Freeze again for 15 minutes or until firm.
6. Melt the remaining dark chocolate in the double boiler or microwave and stir in the remaining sea salt.
7. Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture, and spread it evenly to create a flat surface.
8. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cup for extra texture and flavor.
9. Place the peanut butter cups into the freezer to set for about 15 minutes.
10. Serve your dark chocolate peanut butter cups at room temperature for a soft and creamy texture. If you like them firmer store them in the refrigerator.
11. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Keto?

To make keto-friendly peanut butter cups, simply replace the dark chocolate with sugar-free dark chocolate, and use a sugar substitute like erythritol, allulose, or stevia in place of the confectioner’s sugar. Additionally, make sure the peanut butter you use is sugar-free and doesn’t contain any sugar.

Why do peanut butter cups have ridges?

The ridges in peanut butter cups serve different purposes, one being aesthetic and the other functional. Ridges in these chocolate peanut butter cups provide a consistent textural contrast to the smooth, creamy peanut butter center, the ridges also make it easier to separate the two layers when biting into the cup.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a crunchy texture in your chocolate peanut butter cups. Keep in mind that the peanut pieces may affect the texture, smoothness, and taste of your final product.

How can I store these peanut butter cups?

These dark chocolate peanut butter cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use other types of chocolate besides dark chocolate?

Any type of chocolate such as semi-sweet or milk chocolate can be used to make these chocolate peanut butter cups instead of dark chocolate. Also, you can use chocolate bars or chips, just note that the taste and texture will slightly change.

How can I make these peanut butter cups vegan?

You can make these dark chocolate peanut butter cups vegan by using dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based butter substitute. For peanut butter, make sure to use a brand that does not contain any added dairy products. Additionally, use a plant-based confectioner’s sugar that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients as some do. To ensure that your peanut butter cups are completely vegan, check the ingredient list of each ingredient.

Check Out Some Of My Other Yummy Recipes

• Old Fashioned Italian Cream Cake
• No-Bake Milk Chocolate Cheesecake
• Grapefruit Crème Brûlée
• Argentinian Chocotorta Cake
• Red Velvet Cake

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Look no further my friends! Our easy homemade dark peanut butter cups recipe is the perfect blend of rich, dark chocolate and creamy, smooth peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and with a touch of sea salt for a delicious depth of flavor. These homemade peanut butter cups are sure to impress and make the perfect dessert for all occasions, small or large. This recipe is easy to follow, it uses simple ingredients and the instructions are straightforward making it the best choice for those who want to make a delicious and indulgent treat at home.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Chill 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 450 grams of dark chocolate 60% cacao, chopped or in chip form
• 140 grams creamy natural peanut butter
• 30 grams unsalted butter softened
• 50 grams confectioner’s sugar sifted
• 5 grams vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt 1.2 grams

Instructions

 

• Line a standard 12-cup muffin baking pan with paper cupcake liners.
• In a double boiler or using the microwave melt half the dark chocolate until smooth, then mix in 1/8 teaspoon of the sea salt and stir to combine.
• Spoon the melted chocolate into the muffin cups and use the back of a spoon to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Place into the freezer for 15 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
• In a separate bowl beat together the peanut butter, butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the sea salt until it turns light and fluffy.
• Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture into the muffin cups and use the back of a spoon to spread evenly and create a flat surface. Freeze again for 15 minutes or until firm.
• Melt the remaining dark chocolate in the double boiler or microwave and stir in the remaining sea salt.
• Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture and spread it evenly to create a flat surface.
• Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cup for extra texture and flavor.
• Place the peanut butter cups into the freezer to set for about 15 minutes.
• Serve your dark chocolate peanut butter cups at room temperature for a soft and creamy texture. If you like them firmer store them in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy!

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