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Homemade Textured Peanut Butter Cups

These homemade peanut butter cups feature layers of rich, melted chocolate and creamy, flavored peanut butter with unexpected mix-ins for added texture and personal flair. The process involves melting chocolate, layering it with a customized peanut butter filling, and chilling until firm, resulting in a glossy, satisfying treat with a crunchy, gooey, and smooth combination.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate 70% cocoa preferred for balance of bitterness and sweetness
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter creamy preferred; warm slightly for easier spreading
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for sweetness and stickiness
  • a pinch sea salt or flaky salt for flavor enhancement
  • Optional crushed pretzels or chopped nuts for added crunch

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Silicone spatula
  • Double boiler or microwave
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Parchment paper or silicone liners
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife or small offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Line a muffin tin with paper or silicone liners to prepare for layering.
  2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. This should take about 2-3 minutes in the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring often.
  3. Pour a spoonful of melted chocolate into each liner, tilting gently to cover the bottom evenly. Set aside and chill in the fridge for about 5 minutes until the chocolate is just set.
  4. In a bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy. If the peanut butter is too stiff, warm it slightly to loosen it up.
  5. Spoon a generous dollop of the peanut butter mixture into each chilled chocolate-lined cup, pressing gently to spread evenly without breaking the chocolate shell.
  6. Optional: sprinkle crushed pretzels or chopped nuts over the peanut butter layer for added texture and flavor.
  7. Cover the peanut butter layer with another spoonful of melted chocolate, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a glossy finish.
  8. Place the tray back in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and glossy.
  9. Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
  10. Gently peel away the liners if using paper, or lift the cups from silicone molds. They should be shiny, firm, and have a satisfying snap when broken.
  11. Enjoy your homemade textured peanut butter cups with their crunchy, gooey, and smooth layers—perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or chopped nuts on top before the final chill. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.