Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups 🥜🍫 – Ready in 10 Minutes!
These no-bake peanut butter cups melt in your mouth with rich dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a perfect sprinkle of sea salt. Chill, set, serve - ready in minutes for holidays or any sweet craving!
What if you could create a holiday-worthy dessert in 10 minutes with NO BAKING? Meet these irresistible peanut butter chocolate cups - a symphony of sweet, salty, and creamy textures that melt together perfectly. Perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving guests or a quick treat when you need a sugary fix. Just melt, mix, chill, and devour these crowd-pleasing bites that bring the magic of homemade desserts without the effort.
Imagine a dark chocolate shell, smooth as silk, cradling a velvety peanut butter core, then finishing with a whisper of sea salt. These cups transform basic ingredients into a gourmet experience that feels luxurious yet remains accessible on your countertop. No mixer, no ovens, no fuss - just pure indulgence in bite-sized form.
The magic lies in the balance: the rich bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts the creamy peanut butter, while a pinch of sea salt elevates both flavors to a new dimension. They're equally at home during cozy coffee breaks, Thanksgiving spreads, or midnight cravings. Plus, you'll impress guests with a homemade flair that costs less than store-bought versions.
Whether you're gluten-free, vegan-adapted, or keeping it classic, these cups adapt easily without compromising their signature flavor profile. Ready to make dessert preparation faster, cheaper, and more creative? Let's start melting.
These 10-minute wonder bites come with insider tips for perfect results every time. From chocolate melting hacks to plating techniques, you'll master the art of creating elegant desserts that feel luxurious without the complexity.
Why This Recipe Works
⏱️ Lightning-Fast Execution
Ready in 10 minutes: melt chocolate, mix, chill. No baking ovens needed for holiday rush preparation.
💰 Budget-Friendly Luxury
Cost under $3 per dozen with basic pantry staples, yet deliver gourmet experience with quality ingredients.
🧑🍳 Foolproof Technique
No special equipment needed - just a microwave, mixing bowl, and measuring cups for reliable results each time.
🌟 Customization Canvas
Swap peanut butter for almond butter, add crushed nuts, or sprinkle with cocoa powder to match any dietary need or flavor preference.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups
Sweet-salty bites in 10 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- -4 oz dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao)
- -1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth texture)
- -1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional for sweetness)
- -1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- -Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Melt Chocolate: In microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips in 30-second increments. Stir until melted (about 1 minute total). Alternatively, use double boiler over simmering water.
💡 Tip: Use microwave at 600w for best results
Prepare Cups: Pour molten chocolate into 24 mini cupcake liners or paper cups. Fill each about 2/3 full. Tap gently to remove air bubbles. Chill 10 minutes to set shells.
💡 Tip: For thicker shells, let set 15 minutes
Mix Peanut Butter Filling: Combine peanut butter and powdered sugar in bowl. Add vanilla. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
💡 Tip: Add 1 tbsp melted chocolate if mixture is too dry
Assemble Cups: Add 1 tsp peanut butter mixture to each chocolate shell. Add pinch of sea salt. Cover with remaining melted chocolate (about 1 tbsp). Tap cup gently to remove bubbles.
💡 Tip: Chill 20-30 minutes until set
Finish and Serve: Chill until firm (2 hours minimum). Store in airtight container. Serve with additional sea salt on top if desired.
💡 Tip: Add crushed nuts or drizzle with caramel for extra flair
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate
The higher the cocoa content (60-70%), the richer the flavor. It also contains less added sugar than milk chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter version, use milk chocolate chips or add 1-2 tsp extra powdered sugar.
👉 Substitute: Milk chocolate, vegan chocolate melts, or carob chips
Peanut Butter
Use creamy smooth peanut butter for the best texture. Natural, oil-separated peanut butter will result in an oilier filling. Stir well if using natural peanut butter to redistribute oil.
👉 Substitute: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter
Powdered Sugar
This adds sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor. If making for children, you might want to add a bit more to balance the bitterness.
👉 Substitute: Maple sugar or coconut sugar
Sea Salt
Provides the perfect contrast to the sweet chocolate and peanut butter. Adjust to taste, but don't skip it entirely - this is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor.
👉 Substitute: Kosher salt or fleur de sel
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cups
🍫 Chocolate Melt Hack
If chocolate starts to seize up while melting, add a drop of vegetable oil or a splash of hot water (1/8 tsp) to restore smooth consistency.
🧈 Smooth Filling Secret
For extra smooth peanut butter filling, warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before mixing with other ingredients to soften it completely.
⏰ Quick Chill Tips
Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Place filled cups on the wrapped sheet for faster, even chilling. Wrap plastic over the cups to prevent dust contamination.
🎉 Presentation Perfection
Use mini cupcake holders or small wooden serving trays for elegant presentation. Add a tiny flag or edible flower to each cup for festive holiday touches.
Variations & Customizations
Nutty Twist
Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (about 1/4 cup) into the chocolate shells before adding the peanut butter.
Caramel Drizzle
Top each cup with a swirl of caramel sauce (about 1 tsp per cup) using a piping bag or squeeze bottle for professional-looking finish.
Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free chocolate chips and paper liners to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests. Most peanut butters are gluten-free but always check label.
Holiday Sparkle
Dust with edible glitter or crush peppermint candies for a festive Christmas version. Add tiny red berries or holly leaves for Thanksgiving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices balance the richness perfectly.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: For the ultimate chocolate lover's platter.
- Raspberry Sorbet: Adds refreshing contrast when served alongside.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of milk or chocolate malt for adults, or serve with spiced chai tea. For wine pairings, a Sauternes dessert wine elevates these cupcakes to gourmet status.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
These can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Assemble all components in advance: melt the chocolate, make the peanut butter filling, then assemble right before chilling. Store partially assembled components separately.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Best served at room temperature after refrigeration for optimal texture. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Freezer Storage
Freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving. Do not thaw at room temperature as fat may separate in filling.
Reheating Instructions
Not recommended. These are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating compromises texture and may cause oil separation in peanut butter filling.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I make these without special equipment?
A: Yes! Use regular candy cups or even small mugs. For the melt step, a heatproof glass measuring cup works if you don't have a microwave-safe bowl.
Q: What if chocolate doesn't set properly?
A: Place in refrigerator to speed up setting. If cups remain soft, reduce ambient temperature while storing. Avoid storing in warm environments.
Q: Can I make these without peanut butter?
A: Substitute with equal parts almond butter or cashew butter. Note that texture and taste will slightly differ but remains delicious. Cashew butter will be creamier, almond butter more nutty.
Q: Why is some oil rising to the top?
A: Natural separation of oils in nut butter is normal and safe. Simply stir the filling before using to redistribute. This doesn't affect taste, just appearance.
Final Thoughts
These 10-minute peanut butter cups prove that amazing desserts needn't take hours in the oven. With just five basic ingredients, you can create a show-stopping treat that feels homemade but requires minimal effort. The sweet and salty flavor combination is universally beloved - whether your family prefers a little or a lot of salt, these versatile bites satisfy every craving.
From Thanksgiving dessert tray centerpieces to quick after-school snacks, this recipe adapts to any occasion with elegance. The variations we've shared let you customize based on dietary needs, seasonal themes, or available pantry ingredients. When time's against you, reach for these easy, crowd-pleasing cups that bring joy with every bite.
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Marcus Hale
Nov 17, 2025
Made Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups. They turned out sweet-salty bliss for bites. Choco glaze shone, peanut butter velvety, whisper. Tried longer chill; my freezer runs warm Tuesday. 5 stars - new fave treats, a punch that keeps you reaching for more, after final bite good today, so yet yes now just plus.
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