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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups {Easy No-Bake Recipe}

By in Christmas

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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

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

homemade creamy peanut butter cups pin
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Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

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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

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.

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

  4. Nicole B says

    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

  8. Dominique says

    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

  12. Amber Edwards says

    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

  14. Nicole Brady says

    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

      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

  29. Janis@heartfilledmoments says

    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

  33. Liat says

    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

      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

    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

    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

  36. Gynni says

    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

  40. Samantha says

    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

    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

    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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