Easiest Homemade Peanut Butter Cups (3 Ingredients Only!)

Craving that classic sweet and salty combo but short on time and patience for elaborate recipes? Look no further than these easy 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. This recipe lets you control the quality and taste with fresh, delicious ingredients that come together in a flash—it’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all? No fancy equipment or baking expertise is required. Simply melt some dark chocolate, create a creamy peanut butter filling, and layer them in cute little molds—that's it! Made with just three core ingredients—dark chocolate, peanut butter, and a touch of powdered sugar for sweetness—these cups offer a healthier twist on the classic candy bar. You can even transform these cups into adorable Easter eggs with pastel-colored chocolate or spooky Halloween treats with orange and black chocolate swirls. Whatever it may be, get ready to ditch the box of store-bought treats and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade. In just a few minutes, you'll be enjoying these decadent and oh-so-simple Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, customized to your exact taste!

What are Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups?

The concept of the peanut butter cup likely emerged sometime in the early 1900s in the United States. H.B. Reese, a dairy farmer and entrepreneur, is credited with popularizing the candy with the creation of his iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in 1928. The original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups contained only six ingredients! Today, over 90 billion Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are sold every year worldwide! These store-bought versions typically contain more ingredients for texture and shelf life, but the core concept remains the same: a tasty combination of creamy peanut butter nestled within a chocolate shell.

This 3-ingredient version takes this classic candy and pares it down to its essence. It relies on just three readily available ingredients: chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Dark chocolate provides the base and offers a rich and slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of the peanut butter. Peanut butter is undoubtedly the star of the show. The creamy peanut butter delivers the smooth, nutty flavor that defines this treat. Finally, some powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the chocolate and the natural nuttiness of the peanut butter. The recipe is extremely simple and no baking required—just melt chocolate and layer it with a peanut butter mixture. This makes it a fun activity for kids or a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying sweet tooth fix.

Tips

• When melting your chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave on low power in short bursts (10 – 15 seconds) with stirring in between. This prevents overheating and burning, which can make the chocolate seize (turn clumpy and unusable).
• A teaspoon of coconut oil or canola oil added to the melting chocolate can help create a smooth and glossy finish.
• Use a creamy peanut butter for the filling. This ensures a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the snap of the chocolate shell. If your peanut butter is too thick, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to thin it out.
• The amount of powdered sugar you need will depend on the sweetness of your peanut butter. Start with a little and add more to taste until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
• Line your muffin tin with paper or silicone liners for easy removal of the cups once set.
• Don't have muffin tins? Get creative! Use silicone candy molds for fun shapes, or even small paper cups for a more rustic presentation.
• After pouring the chocolate layers, place the pan in the freezer for at least 20 – 30 minutes to set the chocolate completely. This ensures a clean bite and prevents the peanut butter from leaking out.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate or chopped nuts over the top of the cups before the final chocolate layer sets for a touch of visual and textural interest.

Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter cup.

Is There Anything I Can Use Besides Powdered Sugar?

Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar, adding a touch of floral sweetness. However, they may make the peanut butter filling a bit softer.

How Do I Keep The Chocolate From Burning When Melting It?

Use a double boiler or microwave on low power in short bursts with stirring in between. This prevents overheating and burning.

My Peanut Butter Filling Is Too Thick. What Can I Do?

Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to thin it out and make it spreadable. You can also warm it in the microwave.

The Chocolate Cups Are Hard To Remove From The Liners. Any Tips?

Use silicone liners for easier removal. Alternatively, let the cups sit at room temperature for a few minutes before trying to remove them.

Can I Add Anything Else To The Peanut Butter Filling?

Sure! A pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast, or a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor are some delicious options.

How Can I Make These Festive?

Use colored candy melts during the holidays! Transform these cups into adorable Easter eggs with pastel-colored chocolate or spooky Halloween treats with orange and black chocolate swirls.

Can I Freeze The Peanut Butter Cups?

Of course! After they have set in the fridge, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

These cups are best stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying to allow the chocolate to soften slightly for the best texture.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Add 300 g of dark chocolate to a heatproof bowl.

Melt the chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave.

In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter with the powdered sugar well.

Prepare a muffin tin by placing paper or silicone liners in each well. Pour about two teaspoons of the melted chocolate into each liner, swirling gently to coat the bottom and some of the sides.

Add about ½ teaspoon of peanut butter to each chocolate-lined cup.

Gently press down on the peanut butter and spread it into an even layer.

Carefully spoon another 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over the peanut butter in each cup.

Transfer the muffin pan to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.

Once chilled, carefully remove the cups from the liners and serve.