Ingredients
Chocolate Shell
- 12 ounces High-Quality Chocolate Bar (Chocolate Chips or melting wafers, Milk or Semisweet, depending on preference)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Graham Cracker (finely crushed)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter, softened
Additional
- 20 miniature muffin or cupcake liners (may use an assortment of sizes)
Instructions
- Temper the Chocolate: Chop the chocolate bar if using a bar. Place 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl, reserving 1/2 cup for later. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until melted and smooth.
- Finish Melting Chocolate: Add the reserved 1/2 cup chocolate to the melted chocolate and stir frequently until all is melted and mixture is glossy.
- Prepare the Chocolate Shell: Place 20 foil miniature muffin liners on a baking sheet. Fill each about one-quarter full with tempered chocolate. Use a pastry brush or clean paintbrush to brush chocolate up the sides evenly. Repeat until all liners have a chocolate coating inside.
- Set the Chocolate Shell: Let the chocolate set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, finely crushed graham crackers, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Mix for 4-5 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Filling to Cups: Once the chocolate shells have set, place a small ball of peanut butter filling into each cup. Lightly press down, leaving enough room to add chocolate on top.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon more melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling in each cup, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula.
- Set Completely: Allow the cups to set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm. For faster setting, refrigerate the cups until fully set.
- Serve and Store: Carefully peel off the liners or leave them on. Store finished peanut butter cups covered in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Chilling before serving is preferred for a cool, indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and smooth texture.
- Tempering the chocolate is key to achieving a glossy, firm shell that snaps nicely.
- Crushed graham crackers add a slight crunch and depth to the peanut butter filling.
- Miniature foil liners help contain the chocolate and make it easy to remove the cups.
- Store cups covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
- Feel free to customize chocolate type: milk, semisweet, or dark according to preference.
- The peanut butter filling can be adjusted for sweetness by altering powdered sugar quantity.
- To speed up setting times, use the refrigerator but bring cups to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American