A stack of homemade peanut butter cups with a glossy chocolate shell and creamy peanut butter center, one cut open to show layers.
Homemade peanut butter cups are sweet, chocolatey, and honestly better than store-bought. You get a thick chocolate shell and a creamy peanut butter center that melts in your mouth. This is an easy copycat candy recipe you can make with simple ingredients.
Introduction
The secret is a pinch of salt in the filling. It makes the peanut butter taste richer and keeps the candy from tasting overly sweet. Also, using a muffin pan makes the cups neat and perfectly shaped.
These are a fan-favorite for holidays, dessert trays, and “just because” treats.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Better than store-bought: Fresh chocolate and creamy filling.
- No-bake candy: Easy and fun to make.
- Great for gifting: Perfect for boxes and trays.
- Freezer-friendly: Keep a stash ready anytime.
- Customizable: Make them dark chocolate, crunchy, or extra thick.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Image: Ingredients on a counter including chocolate chips, peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and muffin liners.
- Chocolate chips (2 cups): Semi-sweet or milk chocolate; dark works too.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): Smooth filling; shelf-stable works best.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and thickens.
- Butter (3 Tbsp, melted): Makes filling smooth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth.
- Salt (pinch): Makes flavors pop.
- Muffin liners (12): Easy release and neat shape.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Recipe Step-by-Step
Image: Four panel collage showing melted chocolate, chocolate in liners, peanut butter filling added, and finished cups stacked.
- 1. Melt the chocolate.
Melt chocolate in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- 2. Make the filling.
Stir peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until thick and smooth.
- 3. Layer the cups.
Spoon 1 Tbsp chocolate into each liner and swirl up the sides. Chill 10 minutes.
Add filling, flatten gently, then top with more chocolate.
- 4. Chill to set.
Refrigerate 1 hour until firm. Peel off liners and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Use smooth peanut butter: Some natural types can separate.
- Chill between layers: Helps clean layers.
- Tap the pan: Pops air bubbles and smooths the top.
- Add salt: Makes the flavor taste candy-shop good.
Variations & Substitutions
- Crunchy: Add crushed pretzels to the filling.
- Mini cups: Use a mini muffin pan and reduce amounts.
- Almond butter: Works, but texture is softer.
Make-Ahead & Storing
- Fridge: Store 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw 10 minutes before eating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Add to cookie trays
- Chop and sprinkle over ice cream
- Pack as gifts in little boxes
Reader Review
These tasted even better than the store version. The center was so creamy!
If you make this Homemade Peanut Butter Cups, I’d love it if you leave a rating and a comment. And share it with someone who’d enjoy it! How would you customize your Homemade Peanut Butter Cups?