Imagine biting into a rich, velvety chocolate shell that gives way to a creamy, smooth peanut butter center - a dessert so irresistible, it'll make store-bought candy seem like child's play. These homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone cupcake liners to prepare for chocolate cup formation.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water directly.
- Add dark chocolate chips to the glass bowl and melt slowly, stirring continuously until smooth and completely liquid. Remove from heat once fully melted.
- Using a small spoon, carefully coat the bottom and sides of each cupcake liner with a thin layer of melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage of the liner's interior.
- Place the chocolate-lined muffin tin in the refrigerator for approximately 5 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set and harden.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Remove the chocolate-lined tin from the refrigerator and spoon a small amount of the peanut butter mixture into the center of each chocolate-coated liner, leaving space around the edges.
- Carefully pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth top.
- Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to remove any air bubbles and create an even surface.
- Return the filled muffin tin to the refrigerator and allow the chocolate peanut butter cups to set completely, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Once set, remove the chocolate peanut butter cups from the refrigerator and carefully peel away the cupcake liners.
- Serve chilled and store any remaining cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor - the better the chocolate, the more luxurious your cups will taste.
- When melting chocolate, always use low, gentle heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or seizing.
- For a smoother peanut butter filling, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Use a silicone muffin tin for easier removal, or choose high-quality cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Be patient when layering - allowing each chocolate layer to set slightly will create beautiful, professional-looking cups.
- For variations, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or mixing chopped nuts into the peanut butter filling.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect texture and prevent melting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
