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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups {Easy No-Bake Recipe}

By Erika in Christmas

Christmas Cookies Christmas recipes Easter Easter recipes gluten-free no-bake peanut butter

Jump to Recipe

Who doesn’t love the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter cups? If you’re like me, these little treats are hard to resist! But, did you know you can whip up a batch right at home? It doesn’t seem possible but I promise you that these homemade peanut butter cups are even more addictively delicious than the store brand.

Plus, they are super easy to make too! This is a no-bake recipe and all you have to do is layer the ingredients. This is a perfect treat to make with kids!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups - the easy no-bake recipe this idea now...

I love Reese’s peanut butter cups. They’re pretty much my favorite classic candy. So of course I had to try my hand at making a homemade version of Reese’s peanut butter cups. I’m trying to eat less-processed food, and I adjusted my expectations accordingly but my GOODNESS these turned out DELICIOUS!

Dare I say it’s my new favorite candy?

While this might be my personal top pick, I have other options for you too! Check out my Homemade Buckeyes, Chocolate Buttercream Cherry Candies, and Easy Fantasy Fudge recipes if you need to satisfy a sweet tooth!

creamy peanut butter cup recipe

An Addictive “Healthier” Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

I found this recipe online and played around with it for a while until I got it just right. I think this is the perfect version of homemade peanut butter cups.

When you make these, you’ll experience a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling surrounded by peanut-butter-flavored chocolate. These easy, no-bake homemade peanut butter cups offer the perfect crunch and are a treat for any peanut butter or chocolate lover.

Note: if you’re looking for something a tad healthier, check out my Paleo “Peanut Butter” Cups or this delicious take on almond butter cups.

plate of homemade PB cups made with more healthy, less processed ingredients

I think these homemade peanut butter cups are just as tasty as Reese’s, but they have a leg up over the name-brand version because they contain less sugar and processed stuff. 

Plus, they only take about 20 minutes to make. The longest part is layering the mixture into the pans. So simple!

gluten free peanut butter cups


And if that’s not enough to convince you, maybe this will make you want to try them: homemade peanut butter cups are far cheaper than buying the name-brand version.

easy DIY reeses peanut butter cups

Ingredients

  • Creamy Peanut Butter
  • Butter
  • Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
  • Salt
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • Milk Chocolate Chips
  • Muffin tin liners

Please scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full printable recipe.

How To Make This Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

Here is the process for making this delicious family-favorite homemade peanut butter cup recipe.

First, mix together the ingredients for the peanut butter layer in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

melted chocolate in a glass bowl

In a separate bowl, microwave the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and remaining peanut butter until melted and smooth. 

Heat the chocolate in short intervals to avoid scorching it. Start with 1 minute, then stir and heat for as many additional 20-30 second intervals as you need until it’s melted and smooth. Stir after each interval.

Layer a small amount of chocolate into the bottom of the paper-lined muffin pan. (You can use either mini or regular size – or both!) 

For mini muffin cups, use about a teaspoon of chocolate. For regular muffin cups, it will be closer to a tablespoon.

melted chocolate in lined muffin pan

Next, spoon a small teaspoon (or tablespoon for large cups) of the peanut butter filling into the center of each cupcake liner.

gobs of peanut butter mixture on top of melted semi sweet and milk chocolate chips

Finally, layer more melted chocolate on top until the peanut butter mixture is completely covered in the muffin tins.

layout of printable recipe binder pages
more chocolate covering filling

Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour until firm. Enjoy!

Store in a cool place.

These are the mini peanut butter cups. Aren’t they cute?

no bake reeses cup copycat recipe

Homemade Peanut Butter Cup Recipe FAQs

Here are a few questions that readers frequently ask about making this recipe. If you have a question but don’t see it answered below, please leave it in the comments!

How do I store these peanut butter cups?

You’ll want to keep your peanut butter cups stored in a cool place so they don’t melt. I even put them in the refrigerator in the spring and summer.

Can you store these peanut butter cups in the freezer?

Yes! They will freeze really well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply place them on the counter until they thaw (which will only take a few minutes).

What kinds of chocolate are best for this peanut butter cup recipe?

I personally love the blend of semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate. However, you could add some variety by substituting white chocolate or dark chocolate for either or both of the other chocolates. 

Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, either almond butter or cashew butter would work well in this recipe if you are dealing with a peanut allergy. If you need to avoid tree nuts altogether, try using Sunbutter (which is made from sunflower seeds).

Homemade peanut butter cups are a great Easter treat alternative to store-bought candy. The Easter bunny will be dropping some off in my kids’ Easter baskets for sure this year. 🙂

bird's eye view of homemade peanut butter cups

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does! You want one, don’t you?

More Delicious Candy Recipes

  • Healthy Dairy-Free Paleo Buckeyes
  • Easy Rolo Bites
  • Easy Chocolate Peppermint Keto Fat Bombs
  • Homemade Paleo Mint Dark Chocolate
homemade creamy peanut butter cups pin
Print

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 7 reviews

With a smooth creamy peanut butter filling surrounded by peanut-butter flavored chocolate, these easy, no-bake Homemade Peanut Butter Cups are a treat for any peanut butter/chocolate lover.

  • Author: Erika Bragdon
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 18 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
  • 4 teaspoons butter, almost melted
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Mix 1/2 cup of peanut butter, almost melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in one bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, microwave both the semisweet and milk chocolate chips, along with the remaining peanut butter until melted and smooth. Start at 1 minute and stir, then heat at 20-30 second intervals stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
  3. Layer a small amount of chocolate into the bottom of the paper-lined muffin cups. (You can use either mini or regular size or both.) For mini muffin cups, use about a teaspoon of chocolate. For regular muffin cups, it will be closer to a tablespoon.
  4. Next, spoon a small teaspoon or tablespoon (for large) of the peanut butter filling into the center of each muffin cup.
  5. Lastly, layer more chocolate on top until the peanut butter filling is completely covered.
  6. Chill for at least 1 hour until firm. Enjoy!
  7. Store in a cool place.

Notes

*If it’s warm out, store the peanut butter cups in the refrigerator so they don’t melt.

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    Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Easter, Recipes, Seasonal Tagged With: Christmas Cookies, Christmas recipes, Easter, Easter recipes, gluten-free, no-bake, peanut butterPublished on August 2, 2022

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

    Comments

    1. Stephanie says

      March 19, 2014 at 10:26 am

      Oh these look incredible! However, homemade peanut butter cups are a dangerous thing here because peanut butter cups are my favorite!

      Reply
    2. Liz says

      March 19, 2014 at 10:32 am

      Mmm, they look so fudgy and creamy. I can hardly wait to get my hands on several of them!

      Reply
    3. Jennifer @TheRebelChick says

      March 19, 2014 at 10:39 am

      These peanut butter cups look absolutely delicious! I just pinned them to Pinterest so I can try to make them later!

      Reply
    4. Nicole B says

      March 19, 2014 at 10:51 am

      Yes, I do want one or two or twenty of these! Those look so yummy. I love that you can make them with your own ingredients and have less sugar and less processed stuff in them.

      Reply
    5. Dawn Lopez says

      March 19, 2014 at 11:09 am

      Wow, these look mouth watering and I love how easy they are to make. Who would of thought? Thanks for sharing this, I totally need to give these a try!

      Reply
    6. Marina says

      March 19, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Oh yum!! I’m pinning this to try later!!

      Reply
    7. brett says

      March 19, 2014 at 12:45 pm

      Those look fabulous!! And just like the “real” ones!

      Reply
    8. Dominique says

      March 19, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Ooo These look absolutely delicious! My boyfriend’s favorite candy is Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, so this would be a special treat for him!

      Reply
    9. Sofia @ From PDX with Love says

      March 19, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      These look sooooo good!! And they are so easy to make 🙂

      Reply
    10. Tess says

      March 19, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      I love to be able to make treats like this at home. That way it doesnt have all the yucky in it.

      Reply
    11. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

      March 19, 2014 at 4:01 pm

      Wowzers, my husband just asked me yesterday if I knew how to make peanut butter cups {which I didn’t} – what great timing. I’ll take that as a delicious sign!

      Reply
    12. Amber Edwards says

      March 19, 2014 at 6:53 pm

      So….when are you bringing some over to my house? lol.
      Seriously these look amazing. Peanut butter cups are one of my favorite chocolate goodies. I have to try this.

      Reply
    13. Pam says

      March 19, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      We make these too and they are amazing. They are the kids’ favorite candy.

      Reply
    14. Nicole Brady says

      March 19, 2014 at 8:27 pm

      We’re kindred spirits! Except you are willing to make the recipe homemade and I’m willing to come to your house and eat them. These look delicious and actually don’t look too terribly hard.

      Reply
      • Sarita says

        April 6, 2020 at 1:05 am

        Thanks for your recipe! I tried this today and the peanut butter filing (I used crunchy) is pretty damn close to Reese’s. I only got 12 pieces but I also used regular size cupcake liners. The pieces are extra large and satisfying but I would go for mini liners next time. In the fridge they’re a little to hard but they melt at room temp. Better to keep in the fridge and leave it for 5min before devouring.

        Reply
    15. Keikilani says

      March 19, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Seriously, those pictures are unkind! LOL! This is my hardest candy to give up. Maybe I can justify sneaking a batch of homemade ones in??? =)

      Reply
    16. Lisa says

      March 19, 2014 at 8:54 pm

      My grandma makes these every Christmas. Your recipe is easy enough that I could make them and surprise her!

      Reply
    17. Mama to 5 BLessings says

      March 19, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      Erica you out did yourself, this looks so easy and so good!

      Reply
    18. Sarah @ Must Have Mom says

      March 19, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      I make these with soy butter as a nut free treat for my peanut allergic son!

      Reply
    19. Tara says

      March 19, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      This post is perfection. The photos are amazing, the recipe to die for…just yum! I can’t wait to give these a try.

      Reply
    20. Jen Temcio @dapperhouse says

      March 19, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      These are so easy. I cant wait to make these for various holidays and just using different wrappers. fun.

      Reply
    21. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

      March 20, 2014 at 12:23 am

      These are amazing. I’m going to give it a whirl and see how I can play around with it. MMMM. I can’t wait!

      Reply
    22. Emily says

      March 20, 2014 at 1:18 am

      Oh no you’ve got my mind churning on a paleo version of this yum!!

      Reply
    23. Melissa says

      March 20, 2014 at 12:32 pm

      I have all the ingredients for this! 🙂 I think I might have to make some for myself today!

      Reply
    24. Stefani says

      March 21, 2014 at 9:24 am

      These look good. I like that you don’t have to use the oven.

      Reply
    25. Sarah@ RufflesandRainBoots.com says

      March 23, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      Thank you so much for this recipe (I found you via Google+). I made these as a special treat for my husband today and he gave them two, enthusiastic thumbs up!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 25, 2014 at 4:51 pm

        Great! Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    26. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

      March 24, 2014 at 7:04 pm

      Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I have got to make these! This would be fabulous for Easter! My hubby would love them too! Thanks so much… pinning this one.
      xoxo

      Reply
    27. Ruth Hill says

      April 6, 2014 at 12:22 am

      How heavenly! I pinned these immediately!

      Reply
    28. Linda Kinsman says

      April 7, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      Oh.My.Goodness, I have to make these for Easter! Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.

      Reply
    29. Janis@heartfilledmoments says

      May 2, 2014 at 1:39 pm

      These look scrumptious. I make a no bake peanut butter bars recipe that has been a must for the Christmas family gathering. I like your version better because you don’t have to wait for them to soften from fridge before cutting them. They’re already in single servings. Can’t wait to try out this recipe so they’re ready for the holidays. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        May 7, 2014 at 7:10 pm

        They are so good! Let me know how you like them, Janis. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    30. Michal says

      August 9, 2014 at 6:56 pm

      Yum! looks really delicious! thanks for the quick and easy recipe

      Reply
    31. Katie @ Cup of Tea says

      September 3, 2014 at 10:09 am

      Can’t wait to give these a try!! Peanut Butter Cups are my husband’s favorite dessert!

      Reply
    32. CLynn says

      October 16, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      Def gonna make these, but with some dark chocolate, in stead of milk. YAY! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    33. Liat says

      July 28, 2015 at 2:06 am

      If I don’t have milk chocolate chips is it better to double the regular ones or to use milk instead, or both?

      Reply
      • Erika says

        July 28, 2015 at 7:38 am

        You can absolutely double the regular semi-sweet chocolate chips – the reason I recommend milk chocolate is because it adds an additional hint of sweetness. Or you can use dark chocolate chips as a previous commenter said.
        The peanut butter cups will still taste delicious either way. Enjoy!

        Reply
    34. Lisa says

      August 9, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! I changed it up a bit and used walnut butter rolled in coconut flakes, and it was so yummy!

      Reply
    35. Meredith says

      August 23, 2015 at 12:23 pm

      Hey Erika! I want to tell you that this recipe made our day! My husband and I are huge Reese cup fans but we are on a mission to be healthier and we’re getting so frustrated with all the fillers and ingredients. This recipe is perfection! I am picky about the flavors in so called “healthy versions” of candy or chocolate, but this tastes exactly like a real Reese….actually, way better! Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        August 26, 2015 at 8:15 am

        That’s great to hear! Thanks, Meredith.

        Reply
    36. Gynni says

      November 8, 2016 at 1:18 am

      Im drooling!! These look scrumptious & the recipe is just in time for my cousins birthday!! She ( well WE) are probably going to need a few batches!!! Can’t wait to make AND devour them! Thanks

      Reply
    37. Susan Hastain says

      March 25, 2018 at 1:27 pm

      Could you substitute coconut oil for the butter?

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 26, 2018 at 6:42 pm

        I haven’t tried coconut oil in this particular recipe (I usually make my Paleo Peanut Butter Cup recipe – you can find that here – https://livingwellmom.com/2016/02/paleo-peanut-butter-cups/ ), but I’m sure it would work just fine. I’d start with a little less and add more if needed.

        Reply
    38. Tenny says

      August 20, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      I made these last night my family loved them thanks for sharilng

      Reply
    39. Heather says

      November 17, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      I only have semi sweet chocolate chip wafers to melt and use. Will this matter?

      Reply
      • Erika says

        November 17, 2021 at 3:39 pm

        Those should be fine. Enjoy!

        Reply
    40. Samantha says

      August 12, 2022 at 1:00 am

      Love this delicious Home made Peanut Butter Cup Recipe, this one seems amazing and kids friendly recipe. Thanks for sharing with us.

      Reply
    41. Emmy says

      August 15, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      Oh my goodness, these peanut butter cups are SOOOO good and they are fun to make too! I’m definitely bookmarking this. Thank you for the awesome treat.

      Reply
    42. Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand says

      December 10, 2022 at 12:04 am

      Super excited to try this homemade peanut butter cup recipe, this one seems amazing and unique . Thanks for sharing this one with us.

      Reply

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