It’s hard to believe that it’s already the end of October. Living in a country that doesn’t celebrate Halloween, it’s easy to forget that it’s approaching without the sensory overload of decorations, costumes, scary music and candy. The leaves here aren’t changing color and it’s still a balmy 83F outside. But ever the consummate expat, I refuse to let go of the traditions of home and so got myself in the trick-or-treating spirit by doing something that’s been on my cooking bucket list for a while – I made peanut butter cups. That’s right. Today I’ve got a recipe for peanut butter cups for you. As in Reese’s peanut butter cups, but homemade.
Chocolate and peanut butter is just one of those magical combinations that can’t be messed with (these chocolate peanut butter cookies are proof of that). It’s comforting and happy making. As much as I’m a sucker for Reese’s peanut butter cups, the homemade variety intrigued me – I love being able to control what I eat, and making peanut butter cups at home means no preservatives and other mystery ingredients that I can’t pronounce.
They’re a little time consuming but easy to make. I swear! They don’t require any special equipment or unusual ingredients – in fact, there are only four ingredients: chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla and confectioners sugar. I used all-natural smooth peanut butter, but you can use your favorite or, for ultimate control, make your own.
To prepare them you just need to pour some melted chocolate into mini muffin liners, put a spoonful of peanut butter mixed with vanilla and confectioners sugar on top, then top with more melted chocolate and refrigerate or freeze. See? Easy peasy. Most recipes I saw called for lots more confectioners sugar than I used, but I thought the scant 1/4 cup that I used was plenty. Taste and see for yourself.
I also used dark chocolate instead of the traditional milk chocolate for a more grown-up treat. Use whatever kind of chocolate you prefer. To get that authentic Reese’s peanut butter cup flavor, use good quality milk chocolate. Now that I’ve made these, my wheels are turning – Nutella cups anyone? Chocolate passionfruit? Hmmm… They make plenty and freeze beautifully so you can always have some on hand.
- 1¼ pound (567g) milk or dark chocolate
- ½ cup all-natural smooth peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar (plus more to taste)
- Line mini muffin pans with liners (36 total). Set aside.
- Roughly chop the chocolate and put it in a heatproof bowl. Set over a pot of gently simmering water and melt until it is completely smooth and shiny, stirring often (you could also melt the chocolate in the microwave).
- Spoon a bit of chocolate into each muffin liner. Gently tap the pan on a flat surface so it spreads to coat the entire bottom of each liner. Set aside. Put the chocolate back on the barely simmering water to keep it melted.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, vanilla extract and confectioners sugar until smooth. Taste and add more confectioners sugar, a little at a time, if you’d like it sweeter.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into the center of each chocolate-filled muffin liner. It shouldn’t touch the sides, if possible.
- Spoon remaining chocolate over peanut butter-filled muffin liners, making sure to fully cover the peanut butter.
- Put in the fridge or freezer to set.
Parve and Vegan if you use parve/vegan/dark chocolate
Kosher dairy if you use milk chocolate
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
If for any reason the blog hop linky isn’t showing up below, click here to link up your Halloween recipes!
umm, delicious. i hope there are a few left in the freezer come new years 🙂
I love making candies! I’m going to add these to my holiday candy making list.
I love Halloween! I can’t wait to see everyone’s goodies! Thanks for hosting Katherine!
Such fun! I love Reese’s peanut butter cups, though I’ve never made them. (But my wife has been playing around with all kinds of candy making lately, including something that’s similar to this; I’ll send this link to her.) Good recipe, and some super pictures. You’ve got some great light. Good stuff – thanks.
No Halloween at all? I am not the biggest fan of getting dressed up but I would be sad if there was none. Love your Dark Choc PB Cups – great treat!
Peanut butter and dark chocolate is my favorite combination. These look delicious.
Those look great,thanks for the recipe! I once visited the Hershey World in PA,and Reeses peantu butter cups were among the only things I liked in their shop;D
Love your pb cups!! They look fab!
I’ve made something similar…so, so yummy! PS…I blogged about your yummy ricotta gnocchi today…thanks so much for the wonderful recipe!
These are gorgeous!
YUM these just look delicious!
I know what you mean by holding on to Haloween! Australia is only just getting into the swing of it, I do miss the festivies 🙂 NYC was covered in cotton webs this past week and we will be in LA on the 31st, I think we’ll get our full this year – heehee.
Katherine,
What a great theme for a Halloween blog hop! I’ve added a yummy recipe for Nutella and Pumpkin Mini-Cheesecake Bites for your readers enjoyment!
Happy Friday!
PS: I could just devour a gazillion of those homemade peanut butter cups! Fresh home-made is so much better than store-bought!
Yum. I’m sharing a similar recipe, but with almond butter and jalapeno jam, in the blog hop-treats for adults!
It’s official. I’m getting on a plane and coming to see you. These look fabulous!
These look wonderful, Katherine! I don’t have a Halloween recipe to share, but I have enjoyed browsing through everyone else’s.
Ohhhhh! Lovely homemade PB cups! I don’t have anything Halloween on my blog to share with everyone. I must be more prepared next year. It’s fun checking what others made and how creative they are!
These are a huge improvement on Reese’s, which I’ve never liked. They look fabulous–I can imagine how good they would be with high quality chocolate.
Extra, extra yummy! Happy Halloween, Katherine!
Thanks so much for hosting!!
LOVE these! They were so so good. Thanks for sharing. I had to hide a few in the freezer so I don’t have to share then 🙂
Oh my, I still have some peanut butter fudge in my fridge. I think they will fit in well. Thanks so much for the reminder. You’re the best. Enjoy & have a fabulous weekend, dear.
Kristy
Ohmigosh! This looks so delicious! Why did you show me how easy it is to make peanut butter cups? I already struggle to make it through Haggoween with my pants still fitting…
Such a fun theme…Thanks for hosting Katherine!
I would love to curl up with a movie, popcorn, and a couple of those peanut butter cups. What a great way to spend Halloween night!
Awwww these look sooo good! I wish I could have one right now!!! 🙂
These look delicious! After moving to the UK I missed Reeses peanut butter cups so much, although they are now widely available here I now worry about all the unnecessary ingredients so your peanut butter cups are a must now on my “to make” list!
I’ve made peanut butter cups before, but I covered the sides of the liners with chocolate to make a cup before putting in the peanut butter. Your way is so much easier, I’m definitely going to do it like this next time. I don’t even add any sugar, I use a no salt or sugar added peanut butter with dark chocolate.
Homemade peanut butter cups are so fun to make!!!! Yours look like chocolaty heaven, my hubby would love them!!! Yum, Hugs, Terra
I absolutely love peanut butter cups….which makes them way too dangerous to have around the house. But I make exceptions…especially for homemade ones like yours. beautiful!
I can’t believe you made your own peanut butter cups! And they look perfect!
I love peanut butter cups, these look divine!
These look so delicious and so simple! Perfect for Halloween! Definitely pinning! 😀