Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A Creamy Chocolatey Delight!

Summary

Who can resist the allure of chocolate peanut butter cups, especially when they’re this easy and fun to make? Dive into this no-cook, kid-friendly version that packs a punch of creaminess from the peanut butter and the lusciousness of melted chocolate. It’s a bonding activity and a treat, all rolled into one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Cook & Kid-Friendly: Perfect for getting little ones involved.
Quick & Easy: Takes just 15 minutes of prep time.
Customizable: Mix and match different chocolates or nut butters.
Budget-Friendly: Estimated cost is around $10 for 12 peanut butter cups.

Ingredients Needed

1 cup creamy peanut butter (choose a natural, no-sugar-added variant for a healthier option)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
Mini cupcake liners or silicone molds

Equipment Needed

Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Spoon or spatula
Mini cupcake tray or silicone molds
Small ice cream scoop or teaspoon

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you have a smooth, dough-like consistency.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Microwave Method: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
Double Boiler Method: If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate on low heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Butter Cups

Prepare Molds: Place mini cupcake liners in the tray or use silicone molds.
Base Layer: Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the base of each liner or mold, just enough to cover the bottom.
Add Peanut Butter Filling: Scoop a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a small ball. Place it on top of the melted chocolate in the mold.
Top Layer: Cover the peanut butter ball with more melted chocolate until it’s fully encased.
Repeat Process: Repeat the process for each peanut butter cup.

Step 4: Chill & Enjoy

Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.
Serve: Once set, pop them out of the molds and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!

How Kids Can Help

Involving kids in the kitchen makes this recipe extra special:

Scooping & Rolling: Let them scoop and roll the peanut butter filling into balls.
Layering: They can pour the chocolate base layer and cover the filling.
Molding: Allow them to carefully place the peanut butter balls into the molds.

A Personal Story From a Reader: Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with My Kids

One rainy afternoon last week, I found myself searching for an activity to keep my little ones entertained. As soon as I suggested making homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, their faces lit up with excitement. I had never seen them move so quickly to grab their aprons!

The Peanut Butter Team

Once we gathered all the ingredients on the counter, my helpers, Lily and Max, got into position.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil
A pinch of salt
Mini cupcake liners

Equipment:

Microwave-safe bowl
Spoon
Mini cupcake tray

I handed Lily a mixing bowl and asked her to measure out the peanut butter.

“How many cups do we need?” she asked.

“One cup,” I replied, showing her the measuring cup. She carefully scooped out the creamy peanut butter, and with Max’s help, added powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

“Let’s mix it up!” I cheered.

Lily and Max took turns stirring the mixture until it turned into a smooth, dough-like consistency.

Melting the Chocolate

Next came the chocolate. I placed chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl and handed it to Max.

“Can I push the buttons, Mom?” he asked eagerly.

“Of course! Put it in for 20 seconds,” I instructed.

We melted the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each round until it became smooth and glossy.

“It looks so yummy!” Max exclaimed, dipping his finger into the chocolate.

Building the Peanut Butter Cups

With everything ready, we lined a mini cupcake tray with paper liners and started assembling the cups.

“Okay, Lily, pour a little bit of chocolate in each cup to cover the bottom,” I said.

She did a great job, pouring just the right amount into each liner.

“Now it’s my turn!” Max shouted.

I gave him a teaspoon and showed him how to scoop and roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls. He placed one ball in each liner, and Lily poured more melted chocolate on top, covering the peanut butter completely.

“Perfect!” I praised them. “Now let’s chill them in the fridge.”

The Grand Reveal

After what felt like hours (but was really just an hour), we took the tray out of the fridge. The chocolate had set perfectly, and the kids couldn’t wait to pop the cups out of the liners.

“Wow! They look just like the ones from the store!” Lily marveled.

We each took a peanut butter cup and bit into it. The creamy peanut butter filling, encased in rich chocolate, was an instant hit.

“Mmm… these are even better!” Max declared with a chocolate-covered grin.

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with Lily and Max was not just about creating a sweet treat—it was about sharing laughs, teaching new skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The joy in their faces as they dipped, rolled, and assembled each cup was priceless. Here’s to more sweet adventures in the kitchen and many more chocolatey smiles!

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

Nut Butter Alternatives:
- Almond or Cashew Butter: Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter.
- Sunflower Seed Butter: Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Chocolate Variations:
- White Chocolate: Swap in white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.

Additions

Flavor Enhancements:
- Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle on top for a salty-sweet combo.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a pinch to the filling for extra warmth.
Mix-Ins:
- Crispy Rice Cereal: Stir into the peanut butter mixture for crunch.
- Crushed Pretzels: Add to the chocolate base for a sweet-salty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
A: Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

Q: How long do these peanut butter cups last?
A: They can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I use chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! Just chop the chocolate bars into smaller pieces before melting.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
A: Make sure no water comes in contact with the chocolate, and melt it slowly on low heat.

Q: Are these cups gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as all your ingredients, especially the chocolate and powdered sugar, are gluten-free.

Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy & Chocolatey: Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
Easy to Make: A simple no-cook recipe that’s ready in no time.
Fun for Kids: An interactive and enjoyable activity for the whole family.
Customizable Treat: Easily switch up the flavors to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups is a delightful and rewarding activity that brings families together in the kitchen. From scooping and rolling to layering and chilling, this no-cook recipe creates not only delicious treats but also beautiful memories. Here’s to happy snacking and making sweet moments with every bite!

No-Cook Kiddo’s Peanut Butter Cups

Who can resist the allure of peanut butter cups, especially when they’re this easy and fun to make? Dive into this no-cook, kid-friendly version that packs a punch of creaminess from the peanut butter and the lusciousness of melted chocolate. It’s a bonding activity and a treat, all rolled into one!

5 from 1 vote

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: cups

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Creamy Peanut Butter, choose a natural, no-sugar-added variant for a healthier option
▢ 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Powdered Sugar
▢ 1 tsp This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Vanilla Extract
▢ 2 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Milk or Dark Chocolate Chips
▢ 1 tbsp This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Coconut Oil
▢ This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt
▢ This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Mini Cupcake Liners

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you have a smooth, dough-like consistency.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. (If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate on low heat, stirring constantly.)
Place mini cupcake liners in the tray or use silicone molds.
Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the base of each liner or mold, just enough to cover the bottom.
Scoop a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into a small ball. Place it on top of the melted chocolate in the mold.
Cover the peanut butter ball with more melted chocolate until it’s fully encased.
Repeat the process for each peanut butter cup.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate has set.
Once set, pop them out of the molds and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!

Notes

Engage the little ones by letting them do the scooping, rolling, and layering. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it ends in a delicious treat! Remember, it’s all about creating beautiful memories while munching on these creamy, chocolatey delights.

Perfect for playdates, afternoon snacks, or just because – these No-Cook Kiddo’s Peanut Butter Cups are sure to become a household favorite. Happy no-baking!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

No-Cook Kiddo's Peanut Butter Cups

Serving Size

1 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

240

% Daily Value*

Fat

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love

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